Thousands of U.S. troops are heading toward the Middle East as speculation grows over a possible ground invasion of Iran. The Washington Post has reported that the United States is preparing for potential weeks-long ground operations inside Iran.
It remains unclear whether President Donald Trump will approve sending U.S. ground forces into Iranian territory, according to the newspaper.
The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli has arrived in the region, U.S. Central Command announced on Saturday, March 28. The vessel, which serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, carries approximately 3,500 sailors and Marines, along with transport and strike aircraft.
More than 4,000 additional U.S. Navy personnel are reportedly en route to the Gulf aboard ships, while paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division have also been placed on alert.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are meeting in Pakistan to discuss the situation in the Middle East. Pakistan has also offered to host talks between the United States and Iran.
Attack on Al Araby TV Office in Tehran
Qatar-based Al Araby television network reported that its office in Tehran was struck by a missile, which the channel attributed to Israel. The network posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the building suffered extensive damage, forcing it to suspend live broadcasts.
Photos circulating online showed shattered windows, destroyed interiors, and damage to surrounding structures. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.
Houthi Rebels Launch Second Missile Attack on Israel
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired a second ballistic missile toward Israel and also launched drones, according to CNN and The Times of Israel. Israel said it successfully intercepted the missile.
The Houthis had earlier launched a cruise missile, which was also shot down. Israeli media reported that a drone attack from the direction of Yemen targeted the southern city of Eilat.
The Houthis described the attacks as retaliation, stating that Israel had previously targeted Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestinian areas.
U.S. Strikes Over 11,000 Targets in Iran
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that since the start of operations against Iran, American forces have struck more than 11,000 targets inside the country. Over 150 Iranian aircraft have been destroyed or damaged in the process.
“Strikes are focused on dismantling the Iranian regime’s defensive systems, particularly those posing immediate threats,” CENTCOM said.
The U.S. and Israel began major strikes on Iran on February 28. On the first day, several senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were reported killed. Despite this, President Trump has stated that Iran is interested in negotiations. However, Tehran has not yet issued any positive response regarding talks or a ceasefire.
Iranian Attack on Major Aluminum Plant in Bahrain
One of the world’s largest aluminum smelters, Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), was hit in an Iranian attack on Saturday, March 28. The company reported that two employees suffered minor injuries.
Alba said damage assessment is ongoing and that employee safety remains its top priority. Earlier this month, the company had already shut down three reduction lines—representing 19% of its production capacity—due to disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the strikes on Aluminium Bahrain and Emirates Global Aluminium in the UAE, describing them as retaliation for attacks on two Iranian steel plants.
The UAE facility also sustained significant damage, with several workers injured, though none seriously.