Iran Says It's 'Waiting' for Ground Invasion as US Deploys 3,500 More Troops
Iranian officials have accused the United States of planning a ground invasion, with the parliament speaker declaring that Iranian forces are "waiting" for American troops, as the US significantly increases its military presence in the region.
The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship carrying 3,500 sailors and Marines, has arrived in the region, following reports that over 1,000 additional US soldiers were being deployed. The military buildup comes as US assets face increasing attacks, including an Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia that wounded at least 10 American troops.
Iran's Defiant Stance
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Parliament of Iran, issued a stark warning: "The enemy publicly sends messages of negotiation while secretly planning a ground invasion – unaware that our men are waiting for American troops to enter on the ground, ready to unleash devastation upon them and punish their regional allies permanently."
The White House has stated that President Donald Trump is not planning to send ground troops into Iran, but the substantial military deployment has fueled speculation and heightened tensions.
Russian Intelligence Support Alleged
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russia is providing Iran with intelligence on the location of US military assets and tactical advice for using its Shahed drones. This allegation, if true, would represent a significant expansion of Russian-Iranian military cooperation.
Trump Eyes Abraham Accords Expansion
President Trump stated that the conflict with Iran should pave the way for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel. "It's now time. We've now taken them out, and they are out bigly. We got to get into the Abraham Accords," Trump said.
However, former US Secretary of Defense Gen. Jim Mattis offered a more cautious assessment of the situation: "We're in a tough spot."
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Despite the military posturing, diplomatic channels remain active. Pakistan is hosting four-way talks in Islamabad with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt aimed at de-escalation. Pakistan has reportedly acted as an intermediary, delivering a 15-point peace plan from Washington to Tehran.
Source: CNN
