Iran Readies Advanced Missiles as Trump Eyes US Troops in Prolonged War

By Ifeyinwa Ike

President Donald Trump again declined to rule out deploying American ground troops into Iran, while insisting the conflict is “all but won” despite relentless Iranian missile and drone assaults rocking the region.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini announced the country has so far fired only first- and second-generation missiles but will soon unleash “advanced and less-used long-range missiles” in the coming days.

Saudi Arabia reported two civilians killed and 12 wounded Sunday by a “military projectile” in Al Kharj province, after intercepting drones targeting Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter.Kuwait confirmed an attack struck fuel tanks at its international airport, while Bahrain said a key water desalination plant sustained damage.

Iran’s health ministry claimed at least 1,200 civilians killed and 10,000 wounded nationwide, figures unverified by independent sources.

In Lebanon, dragged into the war a week ago, the health minister reported 394 deaths from Israeli airstrikes, including 83 children and 42 women. Israel’s military confirmed two soldiers killed in southern Lebanon clashes.

Trump attended a somber ceremony Sunday for six US service members killed in an Iranian drone strike on a base in Kuwait last week. Analysts warn no clear exit strategy exists, with US and Israeli officials bracing for a war potentially lasting a month or more.

The president suggested Iran’s war-torn economy could rebound if a leader acceptable to Washington replaces the late Supreme Leader. Pope Leo XIV urged an end to hostilities Sunday, praying that the roar of the bombs may cease and a space for dialogue may open.