Washington, March 25 (ANI) — As the conflict enters its fourth week, the Pentagon is expected to move elements of the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, CBS News reports. A source familiar with planning told the outlet the deployment would include a command element and some ground forces, and a U.S. official said the movement could involve fewer than 1,500 troops.
The potential deployment comes amid public statements from President Donald Trump that talks with Iran were underway and that the conflict could soon be resolved. Trump has asserted that Iranian military capabilities have been severely degraded and has claimed U.S. forces have freedom to strike targets across the region.
Iran’s official response has been sharply different. In a video shared by Fars News, an Iranian military spokesman rejected U.S. claims, calling American strategy a defeat and accusing U.S. media of misrepresenting the situation. The spokesman warned the United States would no longer benefit from prior investments in the region and said Iran’s armed forces ensured regional stability.
Iran also released footage it said showed the 80th wave of “Operation True Promise 4,” with missiles launched toward U.S. and Israeli positions in the area, even as Trump signaled a negotiated settlement might be possible. There has been no formal Iranian reply to the latest U.S. overture; Iranian officials previously denied reports of talks and said any ceasefire or peace would require an end to U.S. and Israeli military actions.
With Iran continuing retaliatory strikes and both sides exchanging strong rhetoric, prospects for an immediate peace remain uncertain.
