"The Enemy Plans a Ground Invasion": Iranian Parliament Speaker Issues Defiant Warning to U.S.
As the 10-day clock ticks down, the region remains on a knife-edge. While Trump projects confidence in a "deal," Qalibaf’s message suggests that Tehran is bracing for, and perhaps even inviting, a localized ground war.
Amidst the highest regional tensions in decades, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf issued a dramatic communique on Sunday, warning the Iranian people that the United States is secretly plotting a ground invasion while publicly feigning an interest in diplomacy.
In a sharp letter published Sunday morning, Qalibaf accused Washington of strategic duplicity. "The enemy openly sends messages of negotiation and dialogue, but secretly plans a ground attack," Qalibaf wrote.
He warned that Iranian armed forces are prepared for a direct confrontation:
"The enemy plans a ground attack without being aware that our armed forces are waiting for the Americans to enter, to ignite them and punish their partners in the region."
The Speaker’s comments highlight a massive disconnect between Tehran’s rhetoric and recent statements from President Trump.
The fiery rhetoric comes as the Pentagon bolsters its regional footprint. Reports indicate the arrival of 5,000 U.S. personnel, comprising 2,500 Marines and 2,500 sailors, aboard the USS Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group. Pentagon officials have reportedly acknowledged preparations for "limited ground operations," which could include integrated raids by special operations and conventional infantry.
A Region Ablaze
The escalating war of words is underscored by devastating kinetic action across the Gulf: