News blog about the war in the Middle East
Trump: Consider scaling back attacks
Updated March 20, 2026 – 10:53 p.mReading time: 21 minutes
The new religious leader Moschtaba Khamenei will not be seen at the New Year celebrations in Iran. The USA is increasing its military presence in the Middle East. All developments in the news blog.
US President Donald Trump is considering scaling back military attacks on Iran. The US is on the verge of achieving its own goals in the war, the Republican wrote on the Truth Social platform.
US President Donald Trump rejects a ceasefire. “We can have a dialogue, but I don’t want a ceasefire,” Trump told reporters. “You know, you don’t agree to a ceasefire when you’re destroying the other side.” There is currently no Iranian statement available.
According to a report by CBS News, the US government has made concrete preparations for a possible deployment of ground troops in Iran. Accordingly, the military has drawn up detailed plans and made corresponding inquiries, while President Donald Trump is discussing further steps in the war between the USA, Israel and Iran.
Trump officially denies such intentions. When asked in the White House on Thursday, he said he would “not send troops anywhere,” but added: “If I did, I certainly wouldn’t tell you.” The White House also emphasizes that this is precautionary planning, not a decision that has been made.
According to CBS News, the preparation also includes scenarios for dealing with captured Iranian soldiers. At the same time, the USA is deploying troops to the region, including units of the 82nd Airborne Division and Marines. Several warships and thousands of Marines are already on their way to the Middle East. The measures are intended to give the president additional military options while the government remains publicly cautious.
The first public appearance of the new Iranian revolutionary leader, Moschtaba Khamenei, is still a long time coming. Many people in Iran were eagerly awaiting whether he would speak live during the New Year celebrations. But state television only showed a still image with his portrait and an Iranian flag. A speech attributed to him was read out.
Since his appointment as the new religious leader on March 8, Modshtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public – neither with an audio nor a video message. According to the US government, he is injured. There is no further information available yet.
