Iran's exiled prince, Reza Pahlavi, has publicly urged Donald Trump to continue and 'finish the job' in the ongoing conflict with Iran. This comes as 3,500 US Marines deploy to the Middle East, Houthi forces intensify attacks on Israel, and the Pentagon considers ground operations, while Iran issues threats against US universities and contemplates exiting the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
Reza Pahlavi, Iran's exiled prince, has made a direct appeal to Donald Trump to persist in and 'finish the job' of the Iran war. The situation in the Middle East is escalating rapidly, marked by the arrival of approximately 3,500 US Marines and sailors aboard the USS Tripoli, bolstering US presence amidst speculation of a potential ground invasion, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated goals could be met without one. Meanwhile, the Iran-aligned Yemeni Houthis have claimed multiple missile and drone attacks on Israel, vowing continued military operations. A Reuters report challenges Trump's claims, suggesting only about a third of Iran's missile and drone arsenal has been destroyed, with a significant stockpile remaining. The Pentagon is reportedly planning for 'weeks of ground operations' in Iran, which could include targeted raids, pending presidential approval. In response, Iran has issued severe warnings, threatening to bomb US university campuses in the Gulf region if the US doesn't condemn bombings of Iranian colleges, and its state media has warned incoming US troops will 'leave only in a coffin.' Furthermore, Iranian politicians are advocating for the country's withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), citing a lack of protection and repeated targeting of nuclear facilities. The US has also condemned a drone attack on the Iraqi Kurdistan Region President's residence, attributing it to Iranian proxies, while Iran claimed it was a US-Israeli assassination attempt. The UAE has reported actively engaging with missiles and drones from Iran, indicating a broader regional engagement.
