Tehran, March 22 (ANI): Iran has warned that any military strike on its energy and fuel sectors would prompt a broad response targeting United States and allied regional assets, including civilian and technological infrastructure. The warning was reported by state broadcaster IRIB and voiced by Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.
Zolfaghari said, “If Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is attacked by the enemy, all energy infrastructure, information technology systems, and desalination facilities belonging to the United States and the regime in the region will be targeted.”
The statement coincides with reporting from CBS News that Pentagon planners have developed detailed options for deploying U.S. ground forces into Iran. Sources told CBS that senior military commanders have presented requests to ensure readiness as President Donald Trump weighs further actions related to the broader U.S.-Israel conflict.
Trump, when asked about deploying troops, said in the Oval Office, “No, I’m not putting troops anywhere,” but added, “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Pentagon’s planning is intended to give the Commander-in-Chief “maximum optionality” and stressed that such preparations do not reflect a final decision, reiterating the President is “not planning to send ground troops anywhere at this time.”
CBS reported that military planning has included logistics for capturing and detaining Iranian personnel and paramilitary fighters, including where detainees would be processed and held. As part of readiness measures, elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, a Marine Expeditionary Unit, and the Army’s Global Response Force have been readied for potential deployment. Thousands of Marines are reportedly already en route to the Middle East, with three naval vessels carrying about 2,200 Marines departing California—the second such unit sent since the conflict began—and another unit redirected from the Pacific still en route.
These movements reflect the Pentagon’s effort to expand options for the President and keep forces prepared amid escalating tensions. (ANI)
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