Tehran: 3,500 US troops have arrived in the region, escalating tensions as Iranian naval forces prepare to target the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier "as soon as" it comes within range, the country's navy chief announced on Sunday.

According to France24.com, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has accused Washington of planning a ground assault on Iran, despite its claims of pursuing diplomatic resolutions. Dr. H.A. Hellyer, a Senior Fellow in Geopolitics at the Royal United Services Institute, provides additional insights into the unfolding situation.

The deployment of US troops adds a significant military presence in the area, which has been a focal point of geopolitical tensions. Iran's stance suggests a heightened alertness to any perceived threats from the United States, further complicating ongoing diplomatic relations. The developments indicate a critical juncture in the US-Iran relations, with potential ramifications for regional stability.