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Iran will open Ormuz to oil tankers as the US studies the ground offensive and increase Israel's presence in Lebanon

Tehran will allow the transit of 20 ships into the Strait. The US has increased its troops in the area and could be on the verge of a ground offensive.

TEHRAN (IRAN(Islamic Republic Of)), 29/03/2026.- Locals react to their damaged residence next to a business building including Qatari Al Araby TV offices, after an airstrike in northern Tehran, Iran, 29 March 2026. A joint Israeli and US military operation continues to target multiple locations across Iran since the early hours of 28 February 2026. (Teherán) EFE/EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH
Attack on Tehran. Photo: EFE

U.S. President Donald Trump has assured that Iran will allow 20 oil tankers to cross the Strait of Hormuz. Trump believes the decision is a gesture toward the US amid a conflict that has raised tension in the region.

The US president has described the move as a "gift" and a "sign of respect," and has stressed that negotiations with Tehran are progressing and that an agreement could be reached soon.

Possibility of a ground attack

Washington has more than 50,000 troops in the Middle East, 10,000 more than usual, according to information published by The New York Times, which includes ground troops, naval units and air assets deployed at various strategic points in the region.

In addition, the recent dispatch of thousands of Navy marines and personnel, along with amphibious assault vessels, has strengthened the operational capabilities of the Americans, including the deployment of USS Tripoli with an additional 3,500 troops and air and tactical support.

In this context, The Washington Post has reported that the Pentagon is considering a land invasion of Iran. The operation would not be a large-scale invasion, but a series of concrete actions that would combine special forces and conventional troops for several weeks.

Despite its limited nature, this type of intervention would pose serious risks. The Iranian authorities have accused the US of having a double discourse because, while planning a possible attack, it publicly talks about business.

Beirut.

Israel in Lebanon

Meanwhile, on the northern Israeli front, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has announced an increase in the security zone in southern Lebanon, a further step in Israel's military presence there.

Netanyahu said the goal is to defuse threats and remove attacks on the country, especially the launch of anti-tank missiles. However, that decision could tighten Israel's strategy and further increase tension on the Lebanese border.

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Paris (FRA), 17/04/2026.- (L-R) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France's President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz give a joint statement after an international summit to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, 17 April 2026. (Francia, Reino Unido) EFE/EPA/MICHEL EULER / POOL MAXPPP OUT
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The EU says the opening of Ormuz is good news but insists that travel must be free

"The imposition of tolls for transit would set a dangerous precedent," said the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. On the other hand, in the context of the crisis and convened by France and the United Kingdom, 50 countries and international organizations have met in Paris. They have announced the launch of a "neutral" maritime mission to "assist and protect" ships passing through the Persian Gulf.

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