‘We are waiting’: Iran issues chilling warning to US as fears of a full-scale ground invasion soar

Summary

Amid reports of a potential US ground assault, Iran has issued a warning to Washington that Iranian forces “are waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional partners forever.” “Our firing continues. Our missiles are in place. Our determination and faith have increased,” said Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the country’s parliament speaker. The comments came in the backdrop of delegations from Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia meeting in Pakistan to discuss how to end the fighting in West Asia, while the US deploys 2,500 Marines to the region. On the other hand, Israel is planning to widen its invasion of Lebanon to expand the “existing security strip” in that country’s south while targeting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group. Another Iranian proxy, the Houthis of Yemen, entered the conflict on Saturday, launching a ballistic missile at Israel, raising fears of another key maritime route getting choked. Amid the mounting global energy crisis and America’s rift with NATO allies, Iran has also resorted to psychological warfare. Earlier, following recurring reports of US President Donald Trump considering a ground assault and takeover of Iran’s Kharg Island, which handles 90 per cent of Tehran’s oil exports, the Islamic Republic appeared to signal its awareness, with the front page of The Tehran Times reading: “Welcome to Hell.” It added that “US troops who set foot on Iranian soil will leave only in a coffin.” Story continues below this ad The Department of Defense had sought $200 billion in additional funds from Congress for the war in the first month of the war. The current conflict began when joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several other military and political leaders. Gulf countries housing US bases have come under Iranian attacks since the conflict began. According to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report from July 2024, there are eight persistent bases and 11 other military sites that the US Department of Defense can access in the region. While Iran has maintained that the American and Israeli establishments in the region are its “legitimate targets,” various civilian installations and energy facilities have also been targeted. The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More