Iran has warned it is ready to respond to any US ground assault, accusing Washington of preparing a land operation even as it signals openness to talks, amid reports the Pentagon is planning weeks of limited ground action.
The proposed plans—short of a full-scale invasion—could involve targeted raids by special operations forces and conventional infantry, underscoring rising tensions as the war enters its fifth week with no sign of de-escalation.
US and Israeli forces have continued airstrikes on Tehran and parts of Lebanon, while Iran has retaliated with missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states, with Tehran saying 2,076 people have been killed, including 216 children.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts are gathering pace, with foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt meeting in Islamabad to explore ways to end the war that has disrupted energy markets and threatened key shipping routes.
The Pentagon is weighing a range of limited ground options, including possible raids on Kharg Island and coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz, with US officials warning such missions could expose troops to drones, missiles and improvised explosive devices.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said contingency planning does not signal a final decision by President Donald Trump, saying it is the Pentagon’s role to prepare options for the Commander-in-Chief.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused Washington of pursuing diplomacy while preparing escalation, saying Iran would not accept surrender or humiliation.
The war, which began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has spread across the region, with Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis resuming attacks on Israel, raising fears of wider escalation and risks to global shipping.
Pakistan is leading a diplomatic push after hosting talks involving Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, with early discussions focusing on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
Before the conflict, the strait handled about one-fifth of global energy shipments, but Iran has effectively halted traffic in response to ongoing airstrikes.
Proposals under discussion include a Suez Canal-style transit fee and a multinational consortium involving regional powers to manage and secure oil shipments, according to diplomatic sources.
Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary, with Army Chief Asim Munir in contact with US Vice President JD Vance as part of backchannel diplomacy, while Turkey has prioritised securing an immediate ceasefire.
Domestic opposition is also rising in the United States, with thousands protesting across all 50 states in “No Kings” demonstrations, with organisers saying more than 3,200 events were held nationwide.
Prominent figures including Senator Bernie Sanders and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed rallies criticising the administration and warning against authoritarianism.
Despite tensions, two India-bound LPG tankers carrying about 94,000 metric tonnes of cooking gas have crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are due to arrive in Mumbai this week, India’s Petroleum Ministry said.
They join four vessels that have completed the crossing, while three remain in the western section of the strait, with 18 ships and 485 Indian seafarers still operating in the Gulf region.
India, the world’s second-largest LPG importer, depends on the Middle East for about 90 per cent of its supplies, highlighting the global stakes of the conflict.
