Will Trump put boots on the ground in Iran? – The Latest

As thousands of US soldiers and marines arrive in the Middle East, Iran is accusing Washington of privately plotting a ground assault while publicly touting ceasefire talks. Donald Trump threatened to ‘obliterate’ Iran’s energy infrastructure, said his ‘preference would be to take the oil’ in Iran and that US forces could seize the regime’s export hub on…

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• As thousands of US soldiers and marines arrive in the Middle East, Iran is accusing Washington of privately plotting a ground assault while publicly touting ceasefire talks.
• Donald Trump threatened to ‘obliterate’ Iran’s energy infrastructure, said his ‘preference would be to take the oil’ in Iran and that US forces could seize the regime’s export hub on Kharg Island,…
• Yemen’s Houthi forces have also entered the conflict, bringing the threat of further damage to the global economy.
• Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian columnist and host of Politics Weekly America, Jonathan Freedland – watch on YouTube .

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

• And listen to Politics Weekly America here , or wherever you get your podcasts.
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• As thousands of US soldiers and marines arrive in the Middle East, Iran is accusing Washington of privately plotting a ground assault while publicly touting ceasefire talks.
• Donald Trump threatened to ‘obliterate’ Iran’s energy infrastructure, said his ‘preference would be to take the oil’ in Iran and that US forces could seize the regime’s export hub on Kharg Island,…

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

• Yemen’s Houthi forces have also entered the conflict, bringing the threat of further damage to the global economy.
• Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian columnist and host of Politics Weekly America, Jonathan Freedland – watch on YouTube.
• And listen to Politics Weekly America here, or wherever you get your podcasts.