As the U.S.-Iran conflict entered its 29th day on Sunday, Iran's parliament speaker warned that Iranian forces were 'waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground to set them on fire' — even as Pakistan offered to host diplomatic talks between the two sides.The Pentagon has reportedly been preparing for weeks of potential ground operations in Iran, according to reports published Sunday by The Guardian and PBS NewsHour. U.S. officials told The Washington Post that any such operation would likely involve special operations forces and conventional infantry conducting raids, rather than a full-scale invasion — but even limited missions would expose American troops to Iranian drones, missiles, and improvised explosives.Approximately 2,500 U.S. Marines trained in amphibious landings arrived in the Middle East aboard the USS Tripoli last week, joining a broader buildup that now totals more than 3,500 troops in the region. San Diego-based forces are among those deployed, including the Camp Pendleton-based 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Boxer, which departed earlier this month and is expected to reach the region by mid-April.Sen. James Lankford told reporters he had not ruled out supporting ground troops but emphasized the need for clear objectives before any land offensive is authorized.For San Diego and East County military families, the escalating deployments are personal. MCAS Miramar and Camp Pendleton have been on heightened readiness since the conflict began February 28, and the possibility of ground operations extends the uncertainty for thousands of local families with loved ones in the region.