Military analyst and retired colonel Mikhail Khodarenok says it remains unclear whether US President Donald Trump’s remarks about suspending strikes on Iran’s power plants reflect a real shift toward ending the conflict or are part of a broader strategic maneuver.

He argues that US and Israeli air forces currently hold near-total control over Iranian airspace and continue to strike both economic and military infrastructure. In his assessment, Iran cannot realistically shield its entire defense industry, civilian sector, and transport network by moving them underground.

Against that backdrop, Khodarenok suggests Iran risks facing consequences similar to those seen in the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon. He warned that there is a significant risk that, by the end of the conflict, large parts of Iranian territory could be left heavily damaged.

Turning to the possible involvement of US Marines, Khodarenok noted that Washington is, at this stage, preparing to deploy a relatively small contingent of around 5,000 troops to the conflict zone. He said US military planners likely view this force as sufficient for current objectives, but questioned whether Trump would have another opportunity to commit the full range of US capabilities against Iran.