Ground war looms; US sends more troops to West Asia, Iran warns of fierce retaliation

TEHRAN: Rumours of a possible US ground attack against Iran have intensified as more American troops arrive in West Asia. The US amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli has reached the region carrying around 3,500 Marines and sailors capable of conducting both land and sea operations. Three more ships, including USS Boxer, are expected to arrive soon.

Reports suggest that the US may be planning a ground war that could last for several weeks. Meanwhile, American media reports indicate that the US could launch raids on Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf or coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has issued strong warnings in response. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran is ready to unleash heavy attacks on any US troops that set foot on its soil. The Iran University of Science and Technology in Tehran was targeted the other day in an attack reportedly carried out by the US and Israel.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has demanded an official explanation from the US before noon today. It warned that failure to respond could lead to attacks on American and Israeli university campuses in West Asia.

North Korea to target US?
Amid the ongoing tensions, North Korea has tested a solid-fuel engine designed for missiles capable of targeting the US. The test was conducted in the presence of leader Kim Jong Un. The engine is said to be an upgraded version developed for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).