Tehran threatens US assets as ground troop plans surface
March 22, 2026: The Iran has issued a strong warning against any attack on its energy infrastructure, saying it will launch a wide-ranging retaliation targeting assets of the United States and its regional allies. According to Iranian state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari stated that Tehran’s response would not be limited to military targets but would also include energy facilities, IT systems, and desalination plants.
The warning comes amid reports that the Pentagon is preparing contingency plans for a possible ground deployment in Iran, even as Donald Trump maintained that no such decision has been finalised. While Trump publicly denied plans to send troops, he left the possibility open, saying he would not reveal such moves in advance. The White House clarified that military preparations are aimed at ensuring “maximum optionality” in a rapidly evolving conflict involving the US and Israel.
Meanwhile, the US has begun mobilising forces, including elements of the 82nd Airborne Division and Marine units, with thousands of troops and naval assets moving toward the Middle East. Reports suggest discussions are also underway regarding detention logistics in case of an invasion. These developments signal a significant escalation in military readiness, raising fears of a broader and more direct confrontation in the region.