Iran warns US over 'boots on the ground' reports

By Nathan Morley

Iran’s parliament speaker warned that Iranian forces are “waiting for American soldiers to enter on the ground so they can rain fire upon them,” as tensions across the Middle East continue to rise.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s comments came after the United States said about 3,500 personnel had arrived in the region aboard the USS Tripoli. 

The Pentagon is preparing for potential weeks of ground operations in Iran, though it is unclear whether President Donald Trump will authorize them, the Washington Post reported.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that Washington could meet its objectives in Iran “without any ground troops.”

Strikes continued across the region. Israel said it targeted temporary command centers in Tehran. 

The Human Rights Activists News Agency, or Hrana, reported at least 701 attacks across Iran as of 5 p.m. ET on March 28, one of the highest single‑day totals since the war began a month ago.

Infrastructure in Gulf states has also been hit. Emirates Global Aluminium said its main plant in Abu Dhabi was “significantly damaged.”

Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched missile strikes toward Israel on Saturday and said more attacks would follow.