A CNN report published last week says that around 2,000 to 4,000 paratroopers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division were being flown in as an “Immediate Response Force” prepared for quick insertion operations, in addition to over 4,000 Marines and sailors onboard USS Tripoli and USS Boxer (2,500 Marines and sailors).
“To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran, but some stupid people back in the US say: ‘Why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people. Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options,” the US President said.
The US has sanctioned Mumbai-based RN Ship Management and its Indian directors for aiding Iran’s military oil network. Part of a crackdown on Iran’s "shadow fleet," the move aims to cut funding for Tehran’s nuclear program and proxies by targeting covert crude shipments.
The ceasefire between Iran and Israel, brokered by Donald Trump, is under strain as missile strikes continue. Iran denies recent attacks, but civilian deaths in Israel raise doubts. Trump’s Nobel ambitions face setbacks, while Pakistan controversially nominates him for the peace prize.