Trump ramps up troop presence in Mid-East after Iran slams US ground invasion plan as ‘delusional’

Reports indicate that some U.S. Air Force personnel are being called up for duty in the Middle East as Washington expands military options amid its impasse with Iran, although the purpose and scale of any buildup remain unclear. RUSI analyst Michael Stephens says neither side is winning and that the U.S. cannot realistically invade Iran and expect a decisive victory. Tehran meanwhile insists the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked until its conditions are met, despite Trump’s claim of U.S. control over the vital waterway.