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 Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that that evening, the IRGC launched the 45th round of military operations called “True Commitment-4.”

Iran stated that a large number of “Habar Shakan” solid-fuel precision-guided missiles were used during the operation, with support from the IRGC 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 ballistic missiles, each weighing about one to two tons,” targeting specific locations in Israel. The IRGC claimed that this operation “damaged and destroyed Israel’s important aerial and space surveillance systems—this is the most intense airstrike 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 holding 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.

U.S. Media: The U.S. 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 deploying more Marine Corps units and warships to the Middle East.

Three U.S. officials disclosed to the reporter that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has approved the request from U.S. Central Command to send 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 U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship “Littoral” and its Marine Corps personnel are heading to the Middle East. It is unclear whether this is part of the aforementioned troop deployment.

These officials also stated that U.S. Marine Corps forces have previously provided support in military actions against Iran.

A 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 Turkish and Iranian authorities, as 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: U.S. Eases Oil Sanctions, Bringing $10 Billion in Revenue to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a press conference in Paris on the 13th that the U.S. decision to partially relax sanctions on Russian oil 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 dispatched intercept drones and expert teams to a U.S. military base in Jordan to assist in defending against drone threats. He mentioned that the U.S. requested aid for Kyiv on March 5, and the Ukrainian team set out for the Middle East on the 6th.

Israeli Military to Further Reinforce Northern Front

UN Secretary-General Calls for Ceasefire in 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 military deployment 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 start of the Lebanon-Israel conflict 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 have resulted in 773 deaths and 1,933 injuries.

UN Secretary-General Guterres, currently 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 Aoun in Beirut that the ongoing 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 a peaceful country with the state exercising “exclusive control over weapons” and its territorial integrity fully respected.

Lebanese President Aoun emphasized that Israel must stop the attacks and achieve a ceasefire, noting that over 800,000 displaced persons need solutions. 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 stated on March 13 that U.S. President Donald Trump’s critical comments regarding his handling of the pardon issue for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are a “blatant attack” on the symbol of Israeli 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 formally 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 in 2020, Netanyahu has repeatedly delayed proceedings citing war, foreign visits, health issues, and other reasons.