'Our Forces Are Ready': Iranian Lawmaker Warns Of Consequences Amid Reports Of Possible Ground Ops

Last Updated:March 29, 2026, 15:13 IST

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Qalibaf has warned that Tehran’s armed forces are prepared for a potential US ground offensive and would “punish” Washington’s regional allies.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has warned that the country’s armed forces are prepared for a potential US ground offensive, cautioning that Washington’s regional allies would face consequences if they support military action against Tehran.

According to Israeli media reports, Qalibaf said Iran would respond strongly to any escalation, asserting that the United States is publicly speaking of negotiations while privately preparing for military confrontation.

“The enemy talks about negotiations but plans a ground invasion. The US seeks in a 15-point list what it couldn’t win in war. Our forces are ready, and we will never be humiliated," Qalibaf said, as cited by Israeli media.

Qalibaf accused Washington of pursuing a dual-track approach, advocating diplomacy publicly while allegedly preparing for military escalation behind the scenes.

According to Israeli media reports, the Iranian Parliament Speaker said the US was attempting to extract concessions through pressure that it had failed to secure through conflict.

He warned that any move towards direct military engagement would be met with a firm response, stressing that Iran’s armed forces remain prepared for a ground confrontation if required.

REPORTS OF POSSIBLE US GROUND OPERATIONS

Qalibaf’s remarks come amid a report by The Washington Post indicating that the Pentagon has been preparing contingency plans for potential ground operations in Iran.

The report, citing US officials, said that planning has been underway for weeks and could involve raids by Special Operations forces along with conventional infantry units.

According to The Washington Post, potential targets under consideration include Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub in the Persian Gulf, as well as coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically critical maritime route for global energy supplies.

US officials told the publication that any ground operation would likely be limited in duration and scope, focusing on specific objectives rather than a full-scale invasion.

The report noted that such missions could expose US personnel to threats including drones, missiles and ground-based attacks.

STRAIT OF HORMUZ AND COASTAL TARGETS IN FOCUS

The Washington Post report said discussions within the US administration have included the possibility of targeting Iranian military assets capable of threatening commercial and military shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that operations could involve short-duration raids aimed at neutralising weapons systems in coastal areas.

The report also noted that the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit has been ordered to the region in recent weeks, providing capabilities suited to rapid-response operations, though logistical considerations would influence the duration of any deployment.

TENSIONS REMAIN HIGH AMID MILITARY PREPARATIONS

While US officials have emphasised that planning does not necessarily mean a final decision has been taken, Qalibaf’s remarks highlight growing tensions and heightened rhetoric between Tehran and Washington.

By warning of consequences for US regional allies, the Iranian Parliament Speaker signalled that any escalation could have wider regional implications.

His comments reflect Tehran’s position that military pressure will not yield concessions and that Iran is prepared to respond if confronted with direct ground action.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic signalling and military preparedness continuing simultaneously, raising the stakes across an already volatile region.

News world 'Our Forces Are Ready': Iranian Lawmaker Warns Of Consequences Amid Reports Of Possible Ground Ops

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