TEHRAN — Iran's parliament speaker warned Monday that any U.S. ground invasion would result in American troops being "set on fire," as the month-long conflict with the United States and Israel continues.
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf made the statement in comments reported by Iranian state media. He said Iranian forces were "waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional partners forever." The remarks came as speculation grew over possible U.S. military options, including operations on Iranian soil or islands in the Persian Gulf.
The conflict began on Feb. 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites, nuclear facilities, air defenses and leadership. Strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior officials in the initial phase. Subsequent operations hit missile production sites, naval assets and infrastructure on Kharg Island, though oil export facilities there remained largely intact, according to U.S. Central Command statements.
Iran responded with missile launches toward Israel and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Traffic through the strait has fallen sharply, with only a limited number of vessels passing daily under Iranian authorization. The disruptions have affected energy markets worldwide.
Qalibaf accused the United States of secretly planning a ground invasion while publicly pursuing diplomatic talks. Regional diplomats gathered in Islamabad, Pakistan, for mediation efforts aimed at ending the fighting. Indirect and direct negotiations between U.S. and Iranian representatives have taken place through third parties, though no agreement has been reached.
The U.S. has deployed thousands of additional Marines and naval forces to the Middle East in recent weeks to support ongoing operations. President Donald Trump has publicly discussed options including potential actions on Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export terminal, but has not confirmed any ground invasion plans.
Iranian officials have rejected aspects of U.S. ceasefire proposals and issued counter-demands. Preliminary reports from Iranian sources indicate hundreds of civilian and military casualties from the airstrikes across multiple provinces.
As of Monday, no U.S. ground forces have entered Iranian territory. Diplomatic meetings in Pakistan are scheduled to continue, while U.S. and allied forces maintain a heightened presence in the Persian Gulf region. Iranian military sources stated that ground forces remain prepared for any escalation.
