If They Dare to Attack Iran, Hatami: US Troops Will Not Return Home

Iran’s Army Commander Amir Hatami warned that no enemy troops would be allowed to survive if the US attempts a ground invasion of Tehran. “If the enemy attempts a ground operation, no one should be allowed to survive,” Hatami said in comments broadcast by the state television station IRIB on Thursday (2/4). Hatami stated that military leadership has instructed operational commands to closely monitor US troop movements and respond in a timely manner. “It is important to monitor the enemy’s movements and actions very carefully and meticulously, from time to time, and to implement plans to counter their attack methods at the right time,” he said. “The shadow of war must be lifted from our country, and security must be enforced for all,” he added. On Saturday (28/3), The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is preparing for a possible ground operation in Iran as thousands of US troops are deployed to the Middle East. The execution of this operation is still awaiting a decision from US President Donald Trump. US officials said the plan could mark a “new phase of the war” that might be “far more dangerous” for US troops than the first four weeks of fighting, according to the newspaper. Pentagon discussions include potential operations targeting Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, and coastal strikes near the Strait of Hormuz to neutralise threats to shipping. Officials said the possible mission could last “several weeks”. Thirteen US soldiers have been killed and more than 300 injured in attacks across the region since the war began at the end of February, officials said. Regional escalation has continued since Israel and the US launched attacks on Iran on 28 February. Those strikes have killed more than 1,340 victims to date, including Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran subsequently retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets. These counterattacks have caused casualties and infrastructure damage, as well as disrupting global markets and aviation. (Ant/P-3)