US Eyes Ground Operation, Larijani: We’re Waiting

TEHRAN — Reports that the United States is considering deploying ground troops to Iran have begun to surface. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, responded by challenging Washington to proceed, claiming Iran is more than ready. He addressed multiple reports suggesting Washington’s openness to a limited ground invasion by declaring that the descendants of Imam Khomeini and Imam Khamenei, bold and brave, are waiting for you, prepared to humiliate corrupt American officials by killing and capturing thousands of people. He added: ‘The Holy Land of Iran is not a place for servants of hell.’

MFA Abbas Araghchi also stated Tehran is prepared to face the possibility of a U.S. ground invasion and has no intention of ceasing fire or negotiating with Washington. In an interview with NBC News, Araghchi said the Iranian military has prepared for any scenario and warned that an American invasion would end badly for U.S. forces.

In remarks with The New York Post on Monday, Trump left the door open to the arrival of ground troops while expressing confidence in the current air campaign, dubbed ‘Epic Fury’. ‘I am not opposed to actions on the ground – as every president has said, ’There will be no ground action.’ I am not saying the same,’ Trump said after an attack that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of other officials. ‘I say maybe not necessary, or if required.’