The United States has deployed at least 1,000 paratroopers to the Middle East as it asserts that the conflict with Iran has been won. President Donald Trump declared on March 24 that “the war in Iran has already been won” and “regime change has been achieved,” citing more than three weeks of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that have killed numerous senior Iranian leaders and damaged significant portions of Iran’s military infrastructure.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the Trump administration has developed a 15-point plan intended to end hostilities with Iran. The proposal was reportedly transmitted to Tehran through Pakistan. Details remain unclear, though Trump has suggested any agreement should include a ban on Iran obtaining nuclear weapons or enriching radioactive materials for civilian purposes.
However, Iran and Israel have shown no signs of de-escalation. Israeli officials have stated they will continue targeting Iranian facilities despite Trump’s assertions about ongoing negotiations. Iranian officials have indicated that they are not engaged in direct or indirect talks with the United States and have accused U.S. efforts of being deceptive after previous attempts at negotiation were rejected.
The administration claims that negotiations, which it says are taking place “right now” in the Oval Office, involve Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President Jay Dee Vance. Yet Iranian officials have told mediators—Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey—that they believe Trump has deceived them twice and do not wish to be “deceived again.”
U.S. military preparations are intensifying with the deployment of the 82nd Airborne Division’s rapid reaction force to the region. This unit is trained for quick insertion into hostile territory. Additionally, thousands of Marines aboard naval vessels are en route to the Middle East, bringing the total U.S. forces in the area to approximately 50,000.
Senate Armed Services Committee members are scheduled to receive a classified briefing on potential troop deployments. Despite these moves, officials acknowledge that even if negotiations begin, two to three more weeks of conflict may follow.
A Trump administration adviser stated: “Trump has one hand open for a deal, and the other is a fist ready to punch you in the fucking face.”
Iran has also issued a statement to the international community allowing non-military vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under specific conditions, including coordination with Iranian authorities and compliance with safety regulations. The note states that ships belonging to “aggressors” such as the United States and Israel do not have the right to peaceful passage.
