US sends elite troops to Middle East as Iran strikes continue despite Trump's 'five-day pause'

The US has accelerated military deployments to the Middle East, sending elite special operations forces and the 82nd Airborne Division to the region, raising questions about a potential ground operation against Iran. The deployments include the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers), the 75th Ranger Regiment, and Delta Force, according to US media reports, while the New York Times reported that approximately 3,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division could be used to seize Iran's Kharg Island.

Contradicting the 'pause'

Despite President Donald Trump's announcement of a five-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure and claims of ongoing negotiations, US and Israeli forces struck two gas facilities and a pipeline in Isfahan and Khorramshahr on Tuesday. Iranian media reported damage to a gas administration building and pressure reduction station in Isfahan, while Khorramshahr's governor confirmed a munition struck outside a gas pipeline processing station.

Iranian retaliation

Iran launched a new wave of missile strikes targeting central Israel overnight, wounding six people. Israeli police reported a missile struck a road in Tel Aviv, causing damage to nearby buildings and vehicles, with shrapnel falling in three additional areas. The Israeli military said its air defense systems were active in intercepting the missiles. Earlier, Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that if Israel targets civilians in Palestine or Lebanon, Israeli forces in the north and Gaza would be struck "unlimitedly."

Nuclear site struck

Iran's Atomic Energy Organization announced that a missile hit the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site during US-Israeli strikes, though there was no technical damage or casualties. The organization condemned the attack as a "clear violation of international law and a serious threat to regional security."

Egyptian ceasefire proposal

The Wall Street Journal reported that Egyptian intelligence officials have established communication channels with Iran's Revolutionary Guard and proposed a five-day cessation of hostilities to build trust for ceasefire talks. The report suggested Pakistan could host a meeting between senior US and Iranian leaders, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing readiness to facilitate negotiations.