Iran has claimed that more than one million fighters are on standby as tensions with the United States continue to escalate. The development comes amid ongoing military strikes, diplomatic exchanges and rising concerns over a possible ground invasion.
Iran signals military preparedness
Iranian state media has said over one million troops have been mobilised in preparation for a potential US operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes alongside reports of defensive preparations on key infrastructure, reported Daily Mail.
Also Read | What is Iran's new minimum age for war support? The number will definitely take you by surprise
Authorities have reportedly reinforced Kharg Island by laying anti-personnel and anti-armour mines in areas considered likely landing zones. The island plays a critical role in Iran’s oil exports and control over maritime routes.
Nuclear stance under renewed focus
The situation has also brought renewed attention to Iran's nuclear policy. Leaders within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are said to be considering openly pursuing nuclear weapons, despite earlier denials by the country's leadership.
Hardline politician Mohammad Javad Larijani was quoted by state media urging a reassessment of Iran's position on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). "The NPT should be suspended. We should form a committee to assess whether the NPT is of any use to us at all. If it proves useful, we will return to it. If not, they can keep it," he said.
In another broadcast, conservative commentator Nasser Torabi said, "We need to act in order to build a nuclear weapon. Either we build it or we acquire it."
Trump extends deadline, keeps pressure
US President Donald Trump has extended a deadline related to strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. In a post on Truth Social, he said, "As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well."
At the same time, his administration has continued to signal military readiness. Around 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division have been ordered to the region, joining thousands of Marines already deployed.
Also Read | Global trade at risk? Iran signals possible chokehold on 4th largest shipping route if war escalates
Talks falter amid competing demands
While diplomatic efforts continue, both sides appear far apart. A Trump aide quoted by Daily Mail described the approach by saying, "Trump has a hand open for a deal, and the other is a fist, waiting to punch you in the f***ing face."
Iran, meanwhile, has rejected ceasefire proposals and is demanding the closure of US bases in the Gulf, reparations, and an end to Israeli strikes in the region. A US official described Tehran's demands as "ridiculous" and "unrealistic", underscoring the widening gap as tensions persist.
