Iran's 30 Heavy Ballistic Missiles Attack Israel, "Destroying Israel's Aerospace Surveillance System"! US Reportedly Deploys Additional 5,000 Marines

According to CCTV News, on the 13th local time, the Public Relations Department of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran announced that evening, Iran launched the 45th round of military operations called “True Commitment-4.”

Iran stated that during the operation, a large number of “Habar Shakan” solid-fuel precision-guided missiles were used, with support from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy, Army, Drone Units, and cooperation from Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force said that the Revolutionary Guard launched “30 heavy-duty ballistic missiles weighing about one to two tons” at specific targets in Israel. The Guard claimed that this operation “damaged and destroyed an important Israeli space and air monitoring system—this is the most intense air strike against Israel to date, and another part of Israel’s airspace is now under its control.”

Additionally, on March 13 local time, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took to the streets to participate in a rally with a large crowd. The procession was grand, with people waving flags and shouting slogans, creating a lively atmosphere. That day, local social media accounts posted images of Raisi shaking hands and taking photos with the crowd.

US Media: US is Sending More Marines and Warships to the Middle East

According to Xinhua News Agency citing The Wall Street Journal on the 13th, as Iran continues to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon is dispatching more Marine Corps units and warships to the Middle East.

Three US officials disclosed to the reporter that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin approved the request from US Central Command to deploy an amphibious ready group and its accompanying Marine Expeditionary Unit. This unit typically consists of several ships and about 5,000 Marines.

The report also mentioned that the US Navy’s amphibious assault ship “Littoral” and its Marine contingent stationed in Japan are heading to the Middle East. It is unclear whether this is part of the aforementioned troop deployment.

These officials also stated that US Marine Corps had previously provided support in military actions against Iran.

Turkish Ship Allowed to Pass Through the Strait of Hormuz

According to the reporter, on the 13th local time, Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu confirmed that currently 14 Turkish ships are waiting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and another ship has been authorized to pass after communication between Turkey and Iranian authorities because it is involved in Iranian port operations.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ravanji said on the 12th that Iran allows ships from some countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but countries involved in Iran’s invasion do not have the “security passage rights” through the strait.

Zelensky: US Eases Oil Sanctions

Could Bring $10 Billion in Revenue to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a press conference in Paris on the 13th that, given the US decision to partially ease sanctions on Russian oil, this could bring about $10 billion in war funds to Russia.

Zelensky also stated that several countries have requested Ukraine to send experts to the Middle East.

Previously, Zelensky said Ukraine had sent intercept drones and expert teams to a US military base in Jordan to assist in defending against drone threats. He mentioned that the US requested aid from Kyiv on March 5, and the Ukrainian team set out for the Middle East on the 6th.

Israeli Military to Further Reinforce Northern Regions

UN Secretary-General Calls for Ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel

On the 13th local time, the Israel Defense Forces announced that due to ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, they will further strengthen troop deployments in northern Israel.

The IDF said that after the latest assessment, the Chief of Staff ordered large-scale reinforcement to the Northern Command to improve readiness for various attack and defense scenarios. The IDF also stated that since the conflict with Lebanon began earlier this month, they have carried out over 1,100 military strikes in Lebanon.

Lebanon’s Emergency Operations Center of the Ministry of Public Health reported on the 13th that from March 2 to 13, Israeli attacks in Lebanon had resulted in 773 deaths and 1,933 injuries.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, visiting Lebanon, called on Israel and Hezbollah to cease fire and end the current conflict, creating conditions for Lebanon’s stability.

In a statement from the UN News Center, Guterres said after meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun in Beirut that the current conflict has brought severe suffering to Lebanon, which has been dragged into a “war that the people do not want to experience.”

Guterres also expressed hope that during his next visit, Lebanon would be restored to peace, with the state exercising “exclusive control” over weapons and its territorial integrity fully respected.

Lebanese President Aoun emphasized that Israel must stop its attacks and implement a ceasefire, noting that over 800,000 displaced persons currently need assistance. He said Lebanon is ready to resolve issues through negotiations but has not yet received a response from the other side.

Israeli President Accuses Trump of Attacking National Sovereignty

According to CCTV News, Israeli President Isaac Herzog on March 13 stated that former US President Donald Trump’s critical comments regarding his handling of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pardon issue are a “blatant attack” on Israel’s national governance and sovereignty.

Herzog said that Israel’s dignity, independence, and sovereignty will not be traded with anyone. He emphasized that once a pardon request is officially submitted, decisions will be made independently, free from any pressure or interference.

Recently, Trump has repeatedly criticized Herzog for not issuing a pardon to Netanyahu, who faces multiple charges. Just last week, Trump called Herzog’s failure to pardon Netanyahu “shameful.”

In early 2020, Israeli prosecutors formally charged Netanyahu with bribery, fraud, and breach of public trust. The court held its first hearing in May of that year, making Netanyahu the first sitting Israeli Prime Minister to face judicial proceedings. If convicted, Netanyahu could face up to 10 years in prison for bribery and up to 3 years for fraud and breach of trust. Since the trial began, Netanyahu has repeatedly delayed proceedings citing war, foreign visits, health issues, and other reasons.