According to a report by The Times of Israel on March 29, 2026, Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has accused the United States of secretly planning a ground invasion while publicly engaging in diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war.
“The enemy publicly sends messages of negotiation and dialogue while secretly planning a ground attack,” Ghalibaf said in a statement published by the official IRNA news agency. He further warned, “Our men are waiting for the arrival of the American soldiers on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional allies once and for all.”
In a related development, Israel has reportedly removed Ghalibaf from a list of potential targets in Iran. Sources indicate that he is considered the “top man” with whom US President Donald Trump has been indirectly negotiating over possible terms to end the conflict, according to reports from last week.
Amid growing speculation about the potential deployment of US ground forces in Iran, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the arrival of the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli in the Middle East. The vessel, which reached the region on Friday, serves as the flagship for a force comprising approximately 3,500 Marines and sailors, CENTCOM noted in a post on X.
The deployed contingent includes transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical support assets, enhancing the operational readiness of the US forces in the region. The arrival of the USS Tripoli comes at a time of heightened tensions, with international observers closely monitoring the evolving military situation and the potential implications for both regional stability and broader diplomatic efforts.