The US could send troops into Iran within the next three days as Israeli strikes clear the way by wiping out Tehran’s missile­ ­production line, it had been claimed. Sources in Israel say its aerial campaign to destroy “top priority” weapons factories producing Tehran’s drones and rockets will be completed this week.

Combined Israeli and American military figures claim that more than 19,500 targets have been devastated, including nearly 5,000 missile and drone launchers. More than 760 command and control sites, and nine major military industrial plants have also been hit, ­according to the David Institute.

Around 2,500 US Marines, along with 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, are arriving in the region in ­preparation for what Iranian officials claimed was an imminent ground attack.

Iran’s speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said: “The enemy publicly sends ­messages of negotiation and dialogue while secretly planning a ground attack. Our men are waiting for the arrival of the American soldiers on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional allies once and for all.”

The Islamic Republic has been stockpiling weapons, such as the infamous Shahed drones used in the invasion of Ukraine, for years in underground storage centres dotted around the mountainous country.

Since the war began on February 28, the regime has launched more than 5,500 drones and missiles at Israel and ­neighbouring Gulf states.

Tehran also shut the vital sea route carrying 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply in the Strait of Hormuz, ­triggering global economic panic and ­soaring energy prices. The turmoil in the markets comes as negotiators met in Pakistan yesterday (Sunday) to ­discuss a peace plan.

It is thought the US could launch a ground assault on Kharg Island, located around 15 miles off the coast of mainland Iran and where it is estimated around 90% of the nation’s crude exports are processed.

A source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the Daily Express that Israel was “helping as much as we can” for any potential operation in the Hormuz Strait, where the “Americans are on their own”. The source also hinted special forces from the US and Israel could already be in Iran, helping to target infrastructure.

The Islamic Republic has been stockpiling weapons, such as the infamous Shahed drones used in the invasion of Ukraine, for years in underground storage centres dotted around the mountainous country.

Since the war began on February 28, the regime has launched more than 5,500 drones and missiles at Israel and ­neighbouring Gulf states.

Tehran also shut the vital sea route carrying 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply in the Strait of Hormuz, ­triggering global economic panic and ­soaring energy prices.

The turmoil in the markets comes as negotiators met in Pakistan yesterday to ­discuss a peace plan.

It is thought the US could launch a ground assault on Kharg Island, located around 15 miles off the coast of mainland Iran and where it is estimated around 90% of the nation’s crude exports are processed.

A source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the Daily Express that Israel was “helping as much as we can” for any potential operation in the Hormuz Strait, where the “Americans are on their own”. The source also hinted that special forces from the US and Israel could already be in Iran, helping to target infrastructure.

They added: “Is a land invasion possible? Trump is a master of manipulation and ­finding a way to deceive people.

“He says we’re ready for peace, but he has aircraft carriers coming into the Gulf.

“He’s sending people to speak in Geneva, or negotiations in Pakistan, but look at his actions, not what he’s saying.”

Another Israeli source said US and Israeli forces were “working in the closest, most intimate co-ordination we’ve ever had”.

They added: “During the war, usually the factories are working 24-7 to produce new weapons and so on. Iran is unable to do that right now.”

The news comes as attacks ­continued across the Middle East yesterday.

The Israeli military says it struck targets in Tehran and other parts of the country, while Iran had retaliated with missiles.

Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted 10 Iranian drones, while Kuwait said air defence systems intercepted four drones attacking the oil-rich country on yesterday. The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems are responding to more missile and drone attacks. The UAE faced attacks from 16 missiles and 42 drones in the 24 hours to noon yesterday, according to the ministry.

An Iranian missile attack on Friday wounded at least 10 US service members, including two with serious ­injuries, and damaged or wrecked several planes at a military base in Saudi Arabia.

Photos showed a destroyed US Air Force E-3G Sentry aircraft. The attack on Prince Sultan Air Base damaged several US refuelling aircraft.

Last night Benyamin Netanyahu said Israel will “further expand” its military operation inside Lebanon as it continues to target Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists.

More than 1,100 people have died during fighting in Lebanon since the Iran war began, the country’s health ministry said.