These threats accompany efforts to fortify the Natanz and Pickaxe Mountain nuclear sites with dirt mounds to block ground raids. The Iranian government is also training civilians to use sniper rifles and antiaircraft missiles and has deployed its 1st female commando units. While the U.S. has dispatched a 3rd aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit to the Middle East, President Trump has ruled out attacking Iran before the upcoming elections.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Iran Threatens Ground Invasions of Neighbors to Deter US Strikes
War7 days ago
Iran attacked at least 3 commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf over the weekend and fired roughly 30 ballistic missiles in its largest drone and missile drill since the war began. In private conversations with regional governments, Tehran warned that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may launch ground incursions into neighboring states and target U.S. warships if hostilities resume after the Nov 3 midterms, the Wall Street Journal reported. A map published by Fars News also identifies American-linked AI infrastructure across 6 Gulf countries as potential targets, while Saudi oil facilities and UAE data centers remain at risk.
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