Stephen Miller:

Trump believes in merit and competence.

Senior Iranian official to Al Jazeera:

The issue of closing the Strait of Hormuz and laying mines remains on the table in anticipation of any reckless U.S. action.

The U.S. wants to end the war with Iran by April 9.

Source: ynet

Bernie Sanders:

Trump, Netanyahu and Putin: plunging the world into barbarism, oligarchy and authoritarianism.

The U.S. has not changed plans to deploy thousands of Marines to the Middle East. (CBS)

Meanwhile, the U.S. military signals business as usual, with documented strikes on Iranian targets.

Netanyahu says he’ll continue attacking Iran:

Earlier today, I spoke with our friend President Trump.

President Trump believes that there is an opportunity to leverage the great achievements of the IDF and the US military to realize the goals of the war in an agreement, an agreement that will safeguard our vital interests.

In parallel, we continue to attack both in Iran and Lebanon.

We are methodically dismantling the missile program and the nuclear program and continue to hit Hezbollah hard.

Just a few days ago, we eliminated two more nuclear scientists and the hand is still outstretched.

We will safeguard our vital interests in any agreement.

The Pentagon is considering sending ~3,000 rapid-response paratroopers (82nd Airborne) to support possible U.S. operations in Iran—potentially to seize Kharg Island.

Marines might go first to secure and repair infrastructure, with airborne troops reinforcing later.

Source: NYT

Pakistan is trying to mediate between the US, Israel, and Iran, using its ties with both Washington and Tehran.

Officials say it has proposed hosting talks soon, with its army chief and prime minister already in contact with Trump and Iran’s president.

Source: FT

Iran’s Embassy in South Africa posted this.

Netanyahu held a key phone call with Trump shortly before the Iran strike, using it as a final push to argue that the moment was uniquely favorable for action.

He pointed to intelligence suggesting a rare opportunity to target Ali Khamenei and framed the strike as both strategically decisive and historically significant, even suggesting it could reshape Iran’s leadership.

Although Trump had already approved the idea of military action and was leaning toward a strike, he had not finalized the timing or conditions.

Source: Reuters

While Trump says he’s holding talks with Iran, the U.S. is still deploying thousands of troops against Iran.

— USS Boxer ARG + 11th MEU (~2,500 Marines).

— USS Tripoli ARG + 31st MEU (~2,200 Marines).

Total in region: 50,000+ US troops

82nd Airborne Division (paratroopers):

Training exercises canceled → put on alert.

Immediate Response Force on standby for rapid deployment (can deploy within ~18 hours).

USS Abraham Lincoln (active combat)

USS Gerald R. Ford (temporarily in Greece)

150+ aircraft, subs, destroyers, etc.

Possible 3rd carrier preparing.

What they’re preparing for:
• Reopen/secure Strait of Hormuz
• Possible limited operations:
• Kharg Island (oil hub)
• Coastal strikes / seizures
• Not planning a full invasion

Political / current status
• Trump hinted at winding down if talks work.
• Announced a 5-day pause on some strikes.
• BUT buildup continues anyway.

U.S. officials say Iran has placed around a dozen naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: CBS News

Since March 12, U.S. has flown 35+ C-17s (with more coming) into the Middle East.

Cargo = troops + equipment (Army, Air Force, Navy), not just supplies.

Main staging points: Israel (Ovda Air Base) and Jordan (key air bases).

Flights originate from major rapid-response bases (e.g., Fort Liberty, JBLM) → suggests combat-ready units.

Stephen Miller praised Trump for several minutes. After he finished, Trump turned to Kash Patel and said, “Kash, see if you can top that.” Then Kash Patel began praising him as well.

Trump:

Could I have taken Elvis Presley in a fight?

Senior Iranian official Mohsen Rezaee:

The war will continue until all damages are compensated, all economic sanctions are lifted, and a guarantee is obtained that the United States will not interfere in Iran’s affairs.

This is the decision of our nation, our leader, and our armed forces.

Senior Iranian official Mohsen Rezaee:

If you strike our infrastructure, it will no longer be “an eye for an eye”—it will be “a head for an eye”; you will be crippled.

U.S. and Israeli officials increasingly view securing the Strait of Hormuz as the most realistic endgame of the conflict, shifting away from earlier ambitions like regime change and fully stopping Iran’s nuclear program, which they now consider unlikely to succeed.

Source: WaPo

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf:

Iran is fighting for humanity.

The world is either with Gaza and against this colonial terror regime, or it stands with the Epstein class and child torturers. There is no middle ground.

Thousands of U.S. Marines are set to enter the Middle East on Friday—the same day as Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

About 2,200 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, along with the USS Tripoli and USS New Orleans, will move into Central Command, though it will take a few more days to reach the strait.

Source: WSJ

Eight people were killed and 83 others were injured in the crash, according to local authorities.

Source: AFP