Pentagon Plans Next Phase Of Iran War & Houthis Enter The Conflict

March 30, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The President's Daily Brief covers escalating tensions in the Iran conflict alongside a North Korean weapons development. Host Mike Baker details Pentagon preparations for potential ground operations in Iran, recent Iranian strikes on US forces in Saudi Arabia, the Houthis' entry into direct attacks on Israel, and a new North Korean missile engine test.

Pentagon Eyes Limited Ground Operations in Iran

New Washington Post reporting indicates the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of possible ground operations inside Iran, as thousands of US troops arrive in the region. No final decision has been made by President Trump, and the scale—far smaller than the 150,000-troop Iraq invasion of 2003—points to targeted actions rather than regime change. US Central Command has deployed the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Tripoli, more Marines and sailors, and elements of the 82nd Airborne.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:56) **Episode Teaser** - Previews Pentagon ground ops in Iran, Saudi base strike, Houthis vs Israel, North Korea missile test
2 (01:34) **Pentagon Ground Ops Planning** - WaPo reports weeks of potential ops inside Iran as thousands of US troops arrive
3 (02:36) **US Forces Deploying** - 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, USS Tripoli, 82nd Airborne elements inbound
4 (02:57) **Coastal Raids Option** - Target IRGC missile/drone sites threatening Strait of Hormuz shipping
5 (03:22) **Karg Island Seizure** - Key oil export hub; high risk from Iranian counterattacks
6 (03:41) **Quick Raid Alternatives** - Hit specific targets then withdraw for better force protection
7 (04:02) **Ground Ops Risks** - Exponential threats vs air superiority; political backlash fears

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

In this episode of The President’s Daily Brief:

First up—new reporting reveals the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of possible ground operations inside Iran, as U.S. troops continue to surge into the region. We’ll break down what these plans could involve—and what it means for the next phase of the war.

Later in the show—U.S. forces take a significant blow, as an Iranian strike wounds a dozen American troops and damages key aircraft at a Saudi air base.

Plus—the Houthis enter the fight, launching their first attack on Israel since the war began.

And in today’s Back of the Brief—North Korea tests a new missile engine, boosting its ability to strike the U.S. mainland.

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