Iran rejects Trump's peace deal; ground war looms?

TEHRAN: US President Donald Trump has begun moves to pressure Iran by planning a ground operation to capture Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf after Iran rejected a peace proposal aimed at ending the war.

Around 4,000 troops from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division are expected to be deployed to West Asia soon. These forces are trained in parachute operations and specialise in launching attacks after landing in target areas. In addition, warships carrying about 5,000 Marine personnel are also expected to reach the region.

Nearly 90% of Iran’s oil exports pass through Kharg Island. The United States believes that gaining control of Kharg could force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to a peace deal. However, Iran has warned that if a ground assault is launched, it will deploy naval mines across the Persian Gulf.

Trump’s proposals

• Iran must dismantle its nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran must eliminate its nuclear capability and hand over enriched uranium to the agency. It should not develop nuclear weapons in the future and must limit its missile range.
• A civilian nuclear project for electricity generation will be implemented at Bushehr with US support. All sanctions imposed on Iran will be lifted.
• Iran must cut ties with groups such as Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah, and the Strait of Hormuz should be made an international waterway.

Iran’s position

• All attacks must be completely stopped, with guarantees that the war will not recur.
• Compensation must be provided. All conflicts in the region must end.
• Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz must be recognised.