Iran ready to face US ground invasion, top lawmaker says

Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, has said that the United States, despite public statements of willingness to negotiate, is secretly planning a ground invasion in the Middle East, Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported. 

He said Washington publicly seeks dialogue but simultaneously develops military plans. “Our people are waiting for American soldiers to attempt a ground invasion so we can set them ablaze and permanently punish their regional partners,” Ghalibaf stated.

The remarks came as Ghalibaf addressed developments one month after the outbreak of the Middle East conflict. He also commented on a reported 15-point U.S. peace initiative, arguing that the White House has turned to diplomatic efforts after failing to achieve its objectives through military means.

Ghalibaf further claimed that Tehran is aware of weaknesses within U.S. forces and is observing signs of declining morale.

“Our fire continues. Our missiles are ready. Our determination and faith have grown,” the parliament speaker added.

A day earlier, on March 28, The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is actively preparing contingency plans for weeks of limited ground operations inside Iran. These plans would represent a significant escalation and a new, more dangerous phase of the ongoing war (now in its second month following the start of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026). The preparations come as thousands of additional U.S. soldiers and Marines are arriving in the Middle East.

The report said the US may target Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf (handling the vast majority of its oil exports). Plans could include seizing or neutralising the island to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping.

By Khagan Isayev