An insider of the Iranian military: More than 1 million people have been organized to prepare for ground combat, and a large number of young people have submitted applications to join the war!

# Daily Economic News

U.S.-Israeli Military Strikes on Iran Continue. In the face of a potential large-scale U.S.-Israeli military operation, a source familiar with Iran’s military said Iran has mobilized over one million people to prepare for ground combat, with a surge of young Iranians submitting applications to join the fight in recent days. Iran believes the U.S.-proclaimed “negotiations” may be a ruse for an even larger attack, and the country is fully prepared for all scenarios.

The U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran entered their 27th day on March 26.

Despite recent reports of negotiations, military operations by all parties have persisted. Explosions were heard across multiple Iranian cities starting in the early hours of the day, including Hamadan, Isfahan, Bandar Abbas, and the eastern city of Mashhad, with air defense systems activated repeatedly. Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the 82nd round of its “True Promise-4” operation, targeting U.S. military bases and Israeli assets. Iranian analysts noted that the U.S. fantasy of rapidly collapsing the Iranian regime has been shattered, and the so-called negotiations may be a prelude to a larger-scale military campaign.

On March 26, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran had allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a “gift.” Eight of the fully laden tankers were transiting the strait under Pakistani flags. Trump framed Iran’s partial opening of the strait as a goodwill gesture toward negotiations. Iran had not responded to the claim as of press time.

## Iran Mobilizes Over One Million for Ground Combat

On March 26 local time, a source within Iran’s military confirmed that Iran has organized more than one million personnel to prepare for ground warfare. In recent days, large numbers of young Iranians have submitted applications to join the Basij militia, the IRGC, and the regular army.

## Key Military Figure Killed in Strike; Israel Releases Details

On March 26 local time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement confirming that its airstrike on the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas killed Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC Navy, along with several senior naval officers.

The statement said Tangsiri was meeting with top IRGC Navy commanders at the time of the strike. Also killed was Behnam Rezaei, head of the IRGC Navy’s intelligence directorate; the IDF did not name other fallen senior officers.

The IDF accused Tangsiri, who had led the IRGC Navy for approximately eight years, of “overseeing attacks on oil tankers and merchant vessels, repeatedly threatening navigation and trade security in the Strait of Hormuz and international waters.”

The statement added that during the current conflict, Tangsiri “led efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz and orchestrated maritime attacks, making him one of the key figures disrupting the global economy.”

Tangsiri had commanded the IRGC Navy since 2018, rising from a frontline combat officer to become a hardline military leader. His force played a pivotal role in controlling waters around the Strait of Hormuz and conducting rapid, small-scale operations against enemy merchant ships and warships.

Bandar Abbas, where Tangsiri was killed, is one of Iran’s most important naval and economic hubs in the south, serving as the IRGC Navy’s primary center for controlling the Strait of Hormuz. Unlike Iran’s regular navy, the IRGC Navy reports directly to the Supreme Leader and adopts a more offensive strategic posture. As commander, Tangsiri was not only a military leader but also regarded as an executor of Iran’s “gray-zone conflicts,” frequently involved in maritime interceptions, seizures, and deterrence operations.

## U.S. Considers Redirecting Ukraine-Bound Weapons to Middle East

Citing Reuters on March 26, Reference News reported that three U.S. officials told The Washington Post the U.S. Department of Defense is considering diverting weapons originally earmarked for Ukraine to the Middle East, amid ammunition shortages for critical U.S. military operations against Iran.

The weapons under review include air defense interceptor missiles procured under a NATO initiative launched last year, under which NATO allies purchased U.S. arms for Ukraine.

The consideration comes as U.S. military operations in the Middle East escalate. General Bradley Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, said on March 25 that U.S. forces have struck over 10,000 targets inside Iran and are gradually degrading Iran’s ability to project military power abroad.

A Pentagon spokesperson said the Department of Defense will “ensure U.S. forces and our allies and partners have all the equipment they need to fight and win.”

The Pentagon, U.S. State Department, and NATO did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

## U.S. Envoy Confirms Pakistan Mediating U.S.-Iran Talks

On March 26 local time, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the United States has been negotiating with Iran through Pakistan as an intermediary.

Briefing Trump at a White House Cabinet meeting, Witkoff said: “I can report to you today that, working with your foreign policy team, we have put forward a 15-point action list that forms the framework for a peace agreement. This framework has been conveyed through the government of Pakistan, which is serving as a mediator.”

Witkoff said the framework has “generated strong and positive signaling and dialogue” but declined to disclose details of the terms, citing the sensitivity of diplomatic consultations.

## Trump: Strait of Hormuz Will Open If U.S.-Iran Strike “Right Deal”

The Strait of Hormuz will open if Iran and the United States reach the “right agreement,” Trump said at the Cabinet meeting.

“They [Iran] are begging for a deal. We’ll see if we can get one. If we get the right deal, the Strait of Hormuz will open,” Trump said. “Even now, we don’t know if there are mines there. You know, they have 22 minelaying vessels.”

Trump also warned that if Iran does not abandon its nuclear weapons program, the United States “will be their worst nightmare.”

## Analysts: So-Called “Negotiations” Are a Sham

Commenting on regional developments, Iranian political analyst Yazdi said nearly a month of war has proven the U.S. fantasy of quickly toppling the Iranian regime is dead. The U.S. has failed to achieve its objectives while disrupting the global economy. Trump’s decisions have harmed U.S. national interests, eroded America’s international standing, and left it unable to rally traditional allies for large-scale military action—clear signs of U.S. decline in power and influence.

Separately, Iranian political analyst Mousavian argued the so-called “negotiations” are nothing but a Trump deception. He believes the U.S. plans to launch a massive military operation along Iran’s Persian Gulf coast in the coming days, including heavy bombing of southern infrastructure and amphibious assaults. He emphasized the primary goal of U.S.-Israeli war is to “completely destroy Iran,” but Iran has demonstrated its readiness, disrupted initial U.S.-Israeli plans, and is now preparing for an even larger potential military campaign.

Source: Daily Economic News

## Risk Warning and Disclaimer

Markets are subject to risks; investment requires caution. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not account for the specific investment objectives, financial situations, or needs of individual users. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article are appropriate for their specific circumstances. Investment based on this article is at your own risk.