The Pentagon is considering deploying troops to participate in a military operation against Iran, The New York Times reported, citing its sources.
According to the sources, a large unit of the US 82nd Airborne Division could be deployed to the Middle East. The troops could be used to seize Kharg Island, but no final decision has been made yet, the newspaper notes.
Iran wants to charge shipping fees through the Strait of Hormuz as a condition for potential indirect talks with the United States, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources.
Representatives of Arab countries “have been holding talks with both sides separately for several days“. They estimate that “huge differences” remain between the United States and Iran, due to and from Tehran's demands.
According to the newspaper's sources, a “neutral regional committee“ is being proposed to establish control over the strait. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims to be “demanding a new order that would allow Iran to collect fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz“.
Furthermore, according to the newspaper, the Corps “demands that the conflict not be renewed“ and demands an end to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, the closure of US military bases in the Persian Gulf, and compensation for the damage caused.