Off The Record Podcast
Off The Record Podcast
โ€ขMarch 28, 2026

๐Ÿšจ BREAKING: U.S. Ground Troops Arrive For Iran War - Iranian Clashes Begin On Streets

Quick Read

US ground troops have arrived in the CENTCOM area, escalating regional tensions as Iraqi militias enter Iran to support the IRGC, Houthis launch rockets at Israel, and Saudi Arabia prepares for military action against the Islamic Republic.
โ—3,500 US Marines and sailors deployed to CENTCOM, marking a significant escalation.
โ—IRGC relies on Iraqi militias and Yemeni Houthis amid internal personnel shortages and ongoing strikes.
โ—Saudi Arabia considers direct military action against Iran, expanding the conflict's scope.

Summary

The Middle East conflict intensifies with the arrival of 3,500 US Marines and sailors in the CENTCOM area. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is reportedly low on personnel, prompting Iraqi militias (Hashd al-Shaabi) to invade Iranian territory to assist, and Houthis in Yemen to launch rockets at Israel. Saudi Arabia is reportedly close to taking military action against the Islamic Republic following an attack on Prince Sultan's air base. US and Israeli forces continue to strike Iranian military targets, including missile cities and naval assets. Internal clashes are confirmed in Iran, with Baluch fighters ambushing Islamic Republic police. The Iranian Foreign Minister's claims of US/Israeli school bombings are dismissed as propaganda. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi received a positive reception at CPAC, advocating for 'Make Iran Great Again.'
The deployment of US ground troops, combined with the involvement of various regional proxies and direct military actions by Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the US, signals a significant escalation in the conflict with Iran. This complex web of alliances and internal strife within Iran suggests a volatile period with potential for widespread regional destabilization, impacting global energy markets and international relations.

Takeaways

  • โ–3,500 US Marines and sailors arrived in the CENTCOM area, joining the USS Tripoli group.
  • โ–Iraqi militias (Hashd al-Shaabi) have entered Iranian territory to support the IRGC, reportedly due to IRGC personnel shortages.
  • โ–Yemen's Houthis have officially joined the conflict, launching missiles towards Israel, allegedly at the IRGC's strategic direction.
  • โ–Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing for military action against the Islamic Republic following an IRGC attack on Prince Sultan's air base.
  • โ–US and Israeli forces continue targeted strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, including missile cities in Yazd and naval assets.
  • โ–Clashes between Iranian Baluch fighters and Islamic Republic police are confirmed in southeastern Iran.
  • โ–The Iranian Foreign Minister's claims of US/Israeli attacks on 600 schools and 1,000 casualties are dismissed as propaganda, with schools reportedly being used as military bases.
  • โ–A regime propagandist, Mahi Rasuli, known for orchestrating public mourning, was reportedly killed.
  • โ–Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi delivered a well-received speech at CPAC, echoing 'Make Iran Great Again' sentiments.

Insights

1US Ground Troop Deployment and Regional Escalation

The US has deployed 3,500 Marines and sailors aboard the USS Tripoli to the CENTCOM area, serving as the flagship for the Tripoli group. This deployment, alongside transport and strike fighter aircraft, signifies a substantial increase in US military presence and readiness in the region. This move coincides with the Houthis officially joining the conflict by launching missiles at Israel, and Iraqi militias invading Iran to bolster the IRGC, indicating a broadening and intensifying regional conflict.

Host states, 'The US ground troops have finally arrived. 3,500 of Marines as well as sailors who have now joined the Sencom area.' () and 'The Houthis from Yemen have finally decided to join the war across the region.' ().

2IRGC's Reliance on External Proxies and Internal Weakness

The IRGC is reportedly facing a severe shortage of experienced personnel, leading them to rely on Iraqi militias (Hashd al-Shaabi) for internal security and combat. These Iraqi groups previously intervened during Iranian protests in January, allegedly massacring thousands. The IRGC also strategically directed the Houthis to join the war when their own forces were 'running low,' suggesting a coordinated but desperate reliance on proxies to maintain control and project power.

Host states, 'the IRGC are running low on personnel, at least the professional experienced adults, they had to get... children to get involved to help them. But also now we have militias from Iraq. The Iraqis have now also invaded the Iranian territory.' () and 'The Islamic Republic told the Houthis, you should get involved when we are running low.' ().

3Saudi Arabia's Imminent Military Action Against Iran

Saudi Arabia has reportedly informed the US of its intention to take military action against the Islamic Republic. This decision follows an IRGC attack on Prince Sultan's air base in Saudi Arabia. The host emphasizes that this marks a significant shift, as coalition partners (UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan) are now likely to respond to Iranian missile attacks on their territories, expanding what was initially a US-Israeli operation.

Host states, 'Saudi Arabia are now very very close to taking military action against the Islamic Republic as well.' () and 'According to Fox, the Kingdom of Saudi have told the Americans that they will be taking military action.' (). A Fox report clip confirms, 'the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia says they will join the US in an op in the operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran.' ().

4Internal Resistance and Propaganda Failures in Iran

Clashes are confirmed between Iranian Baluch fighters and Islamic Republic police in southeastern Iran, indicating active internal resistance. Concurrently, the Iranian Foreign Minister's propaganda claims of US/Israeli forces bombing 600 schools and killing 1,000 students are debunked by the host, who notes schools are closed and used as military bases. The host also reports the elimination of Mahi Rasuli, a regime propagandist known for inciting public mourning, further highlighting the internal struggles and the regime's attempts to control narratives.

Host states, 'clashes on the ground in Iran have finally been confirmed... in Baluchan... These are the Baluch fighters Iranian Baluch. And they were targeting... the Islamic Republic police not the IRGC.' () and 'The problem with this Abbas is that schools are closed in Iran. There are no students in schools right now. And what we have in schools, the empty buildings, the IRGC military.' (). Host also confirms, 'Mahi Rasuli... is slightly dead. Yes. He's been killed.' ().

Lessons

  • Monitor the Strait of Hormuz for potential disruptions, as military actions in the region could impact global shipping and oil prices.
  • Observe the reactions and statements from regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, as their involvement or mediation efforts will significantly shape the conflict's trajectory.
  • Analyze the internal dynamics within Iran, particularly the reported IRGC personnel shortages and the rise of ethnic resistance groups, which could indicate vulnerabilities in the regime's control.
  • Be aware of the propaganda narratives from all sides, as misinformation and disinformation campaigns are integral to the conflict's information warfare.

Notable Moments

Iranian people in Tehran chant 'Long live the king' from their homes while IRGC forces shoot at residential buildings.

This illustrates the deep internal division within Iran, with a segment of the population openly opposing the regime and expressing support for the monarchy, even under threat of violence from IRGC forces.

The UAE Ministry of Defense reports intercepting 20 ballistic missiles and 31 suicide drones from Iran in 24 hours, bringing the total to 2,285 projectiles since February 28th.

This highlights the sustained and significant volume of Iranian missile and drone attacks on Arab countries, demonstrating the IRGC's continued offensive capabilities despite ongoing strikes against its infrastructure.

Oman's Port of Salalah is hit by two drones, injuring a foreign worker and damaging a crane.

This attack on Oman, a country previously attempting to mediate with Iran, complicates diplomatic efforts and indicates Iran's willingness to target even perceived neutral parties in the region.

Quotes

"

"President Trump is making America great again. I intend to make Iran great again."

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
"

"It is unfortunate that the territories of some Muslim countries are being used to attack Iran. The Zionist entity intends to expand the war to countries in the region and these countries must be cautious."

Abbas Arachi (Iranian Foreign Minister)
"

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia says they will join the US in an op in the operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran. They said that this comes in the wake of Iran attacking the US base in Saudi Arabia."

Fox News Reporter

Q&A

Recent Questions

Related Episodes

๐Ÿšจ BREAKING: Ceasefire REACHED In Iran War - Pahlavi's Urgent Message To Army
Off The Record Podcastโ€ข Apr 8, 2026

๐Ÿšจ BREAKING: Ceasefire REACHED In Iran War - Pahlavi's Urgent Message To Army

"A two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is announced, but immediate violations by the IRGC and its proxies, coupled with conflicting statements from within the Iranian regime, suggest continued instability and a potential shift towards internal armed resistance."

Iran-US conflictMiddle East geopoliticsceasefire violations+2
Mark Sleboda: Iranโ€™s New Missiles SLAM Israel & US Bases - Saudi & UAE Involved as Bases Open
Interviews 02โ€ข Mar 21, 2026

Mark Sleboda: Iranโ€™s New Missiles SLAM Israel & US Bases - Saudi & UAE Involved as Bases Open

"Iran's asymmetric warfare strategy, leveraging its 'sanction option' by closing the Strait of Hormuz and targeting Gulf state energy infrastructure, has weaponized the global economy against the US and Israel, leading to unprecedented geopolitical and economic shifts."

Iran-US conflictMiddle East geopoliticsEnergy markets+2
๐Ÿšจ LIVE: Iran Navy Confronts U.S. Warships - EU Designate IRGC As Terrorist
Off The Record Podcastโ€ข Jan 29, 2026

๐Ÿšจ LIVE: Iran Navy Confronts U.S. Warships - EU Designate IRGC As Terrorist

"The Middle East faces an escalating 'endgame' as the US rapidly deploys military assets, Iran threatens the Strait of Hormuz with live-fire 'drills,' and the EU designates the IRGC as a terrorist organization, while the UK notably refuses."

Iran-US conflictStrait of HormuzIRGC designation+2
BREAKING: IDF BLITZ Attack On Hezbollah; U.S. Warns NATO; Iran STRAINS Ceasefire | TBN Israel
TBN Israel Podcastโ€ข Apr 9, 2026

BREAKING: IDF BLITZ Attack On Hezbollah; U.S. Warns NATO; Iran STRAINS Ceasefire | TBN Israel

"Despite a declared ceasefire with Iran, Israel continues a 'Roaring Lion War' against Hezbollah in Lebanon, conducting extensive strikes and eliminating key figures while the US pressures NATO allies and Iran's internal power struggles complicate negotiations."

Israel-Hezbollah conflictIran nuclear negotiationsMiddle East geopolitics+2