From mine traps to recruiting children: WSJ reveals how Iran preparing for war with US
Photo: Iran recruits people for a possible confrontation with the US (Getty Images)
Iran is strengthening the defenses of its largest oil port, threatening attacks on a wider range of targets in the Persian Gulf, and recruiting new personnel. This is how the country is responding to a possible ground invasion by the United States, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Iran’s preparations began after US President Donald Trump decided to deploy Marines and airborne troops to the Middle East. Tehran is taking the threat seriously, despite the US stating it has no plans to deploy troops on the ground.
Recruiting millions of Iranians
Analysts believe Iran is preparing for a major confrontation during which it could inflict greater losses on the US military than in engagements against dominant American and Israeli air forces.
In addition, Tehran has launched a nationwide mobilization campaign. This includes efforts to recruit millions of Iranians, including children, as part of commemorating martyrs.
For this purpose, street signs and posters are used, which remain a visible part of everyday life in Iran.
According to experts, Iran currently has around one million military personnel who are either active or in reserve. About 190,000 of them are motivated fighters from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Strengthening the defense of Kharg Island
Iran is also reinforcing the defenses of Kharg Island, which serves as a key hub for oil exports. In particular, guided missile systems on the island will be strengthened, and mines and booby traps will be laid along its perimeter.
According to military analysts, additional tunnels have been constructed on the islands Iran plans to defend. In addition, Iran-backed militias in Iraq have demonstrated effective use of drones, which could pose another threat to US forces.
Tehran has also threatened to increase the number of strikes on neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf. This could further drive up global oil prices. Potential targets for Iran include offshore oil platforms, power plants, and similar infrastructure.
In recent days it became known that the US has already redeployed an amphibious assault ship and 3,500 US Marines to the Middle East. In addition, the Pentagon is considering sending another 10,000 troops to expand military capabilities under Trump.
A US military representative told the New York Times that amid escalating tensions with Iran, the number of troops in the Middle East has already exceeded 50,000.
At the same time, Bloomberg sources say the Trump administration currently has no plans for a ground invasion of Iran. According to them, despite the troop deployments, the US is focusing on strategic pressure without involving infantry.
