'Welcome to hell'... Iranian media warns against US troop deployment

Tehran (The Uttam Hindu): Amid rising military tensions in West Asia, Iran's English-language newspaper, the Tehran Times, has issued a stern warning to the United States. On the front page of Saturday's issue, the newspaper wrote in bold letters, "Welcome to Hell," saying that if American troops enter Iranian territory, they will not return alive.

Meanwhile, the United States has increased its military presence, deploying approximately 3,500 Marines to the Central Command (CENTCOM) region. These troops departed from Japan for West Asia aboard the USS Tripoli, one of the US Navy's premier amphibious assault ships. This deployment is seen as a sign of increased military readiness in the region.

According to experts, this move could be part of preparations for a potential military operation against Iran's strategically important Kharg Island, which has also been targeted in the area as part of Operation Epic Fury this month.

According to CENTCOM, since February 28, US forces have struck numerous Iranian-linked military targets, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) bases, air defense systems, missile sites, naval assets, and weapons manufacturing facilities.

US forces have flown more than 11,000 combat sorties to date and claimed to have damaged or destroyed more than 150 Iranian vessels.

The Tehran Times' warning is being seen as a direct message to Washington. Experts believe that the escalating rhetoric and military activities between the two countries could further escalate tensions in West Asia, potentially impacting regional and global security.