"Trump Considers Ground Troops in Iran Amid Rising Tensions; Israel Targets Tehran as US Eases Oil Sanctions"

United States Strikes Nearly 8,000 Targets in Three Weeks Amid US-Israel-Iran Conflict

The United States has intensified its military campaign in the ongoing conflict with Iran, striking nearly 8,000 targets in the three weeks since the conflict began. The Pentagon officials have drawn up detailed plans for a possible deployment of US ground forces into Iran, with senior military commanders submitting specific requests as President Trump weighs his next move.

President Trump has been considering whether to position troops in the region, though it remains unclear under what circumstances he would approve boots on the ground. “No, I’m not putting troops anywhere,” he told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, before adding, “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you.”

Officials at US Central Command declined to comment, referring queries to the White House and the Pentagon. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is exploring options to secure or extract Iran’s nuclear material, according to sources.

The conflict on the ground continues to escalate, with the Israeli military carrying out strikes in Tehran, Isfahan, and Karaj. Explosions were reported across the capital, marking a significant expansion of Israeli operations deeper into Iranian territory.

The Israeli military said it carried out strikes targeting sites in Tehran on Saturday, with explosions reported across the capital as well as in Isfahan and Karaj, west of Tehran. The latest attacks mark a significant expansion of Israeli operations deeper into Iranian territory.

President Trump has suggested that Washington may be nearing the end of its military campaign. He said he is considering “winding down” operations, claiming that the United States is very close to meeting its objectives in the war. Despite this, thousands of American service members remain deployed across the Middle East.

In a parallel move aimed at managing economic fallout, the United States has temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil stranded at sea until April 19. The decision is intended to ease pressure on global energy markets as prices surge amid the ongoing conflict.

The Treasury Department said the waiver applies only to oil already in transit and does not permit new production or sales, estimating that roughly 140 million barrels could enter the market.

Iran has warned it could target recreational and tourist sites worldwide and said it continues to build missiles, nearly three weeks into US-Israeli strikes. President Trump has criticized NATO allies, calling them “paper tigers” over what he described as a lack of support in the war against Iran.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd has ensured no increase in regular automotive fuel prices in India despite rising global crude costs. A limited revision applies only to premium petrol XP-95. The company remains focused on consistent supply and responsible pricing.

The Pentagon has sought an additional $200 billion from Congress to sustain the war effort, underscoring the scale and uncertainty of the conflict. Civilian casualties continue to mount across Iran and Lebanon as the conflict persists.

South Korea has joined signatories to a joint statement aimed at ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran’s blockade. The statement was initially signed by leaders of six countries and has since seen additional countries joining in.

Fires were reported at US diplomatic facilities in Baghdad following strikes. The complex is understood to house US military persoel. Several US diplomatic facilities across the Gulf region have been targeted during the war.

So far, 13 US persoel have been killed in the conflict. Iran has signaled passage for Japanese ships through Hormuz, and the United States has struck nearly 8,000 targets in three weeks.

Airlines are facing operational challenges due to airspace restrictions, higher fuel prices, and rising insurance costs amid the West Asia conflict. India’s aviation regulator has advised airlines to avoid certain regional airspaces until March 28.

Oil prices fell more than 1 per cent as the US and its allies discussed measures to address supply disruptions and secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Stay updated with the latest developments by following us on Instagram.