As thousands of US soldiers and marines arrive in the Middle East, Iran is accusing Washington of privately plotting a ground assault while publicly touting ceasefire talks. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian columnist and host of Politics Weekly America, Jonathan Freedland

The U.S. considers deploying 10,000 troops to West Asia amid rising tensions with Iran and potential military action.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio repeats administration’s belief that US can achieve its aims without a ground war