TASS News Agency:
Russian Security Council: "The US and Israel may use negotiations as a cover to prepare for a ground operation against Iran," as the US continues to bolster its forces in the region.The Russian Security Council warns that negotiations may be a cover for planning an airstrike against Iran. The Security Council also reported that the Pentagon continues to increase the number of US troops in the region. Moscow, April 14 (TASS). The Russian Security Council stated that the US and Israel may be exploiting the peace talks to mask preparations for a ground operation in Iran. The statement read: "The US and Israel may be using the peace talks to prepare for a ground operation against Iran, while the Pentagon continues to increase the number of US troops in the region." The Security Council noted that, according to the US Central Command, there are more than 50,000 US troops in the region, including 2,500 Marines from the XI Corps, more than 1,200 paratroopers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division, Delta Force, and the 75th Ranger Regiment. There are also approximately 500 US Air Force aircraft based at Middle Eastern airfields, including more than 250 tactical aircraft, as well as more than 20 US Navy ships. As US President Donald Trump has stated, these forces will remain in position "near Iran" until Tehran meets the conditions set by Washington, according to the statement. The deployment of units from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East continues. An amphibious assault group led by the multi-mission amphibious transport dock USS Boxer, carrying 2,500 Marines, and a carrier strike group led by the nuclear-powered multi-purpose aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush are moving toward the conflict zone. It is expected to arrive in the Arabian Sea just in time for the end of the two-week ceasefire. Therefore, according to the Security Council, "we should also expect effective moves by coalition forces to resupply them with offensive and missile defense weapons, as well as intensified intelligence activity."