Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday accused the United States of covertly planning a ground invasion despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the escalating regional conflict. In a strongly worded statement carried by state news agency IRNA, Ghalibaf alleged that Washington was sending “messages of negotiation and dialogue” while simultaneously preparing for military escalation on the ground.

Ghalibaf issued a sharp warning, stating that Iranian forces were ready to confront any potential deployment of American troops. “Our men are waiting for the arrival of American soldiers on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional allies once and for all,” he said, underscoring the heightened rhetoric amid intensifying hostilities. His remarks reflect growing tensions as the conflict shows little sign of de-escalation despite diplomatic initiatives.

The ongoing war, now entering its second month, was triggered on February 28 following coordinated airstrikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian targets. The strikes reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, sparking a broad and rapidly expanding conflict across the Middle East. Since then, Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and other regional actors, further widening the scope of the war.

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The conflict has also significantly disrupted global energy flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for international oil and gas shipments. Nearly 20 percent of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through the strait, but shipping traffic has slowed to a near standstill due to security concerns, raising alarms in global markets.

Calling for national unity, Ghalibaf described the situation as a “major global war” at a critical juncture. He emphasized that Iran would defend its sovereignty and respond forcefully to any escalation. “We are certain that we can punish the United States, make it regret attacking Iran, and firmly secure our legitimate rights,” he said, reinforcing Tehran’s defiant stance.

His comments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving regional and international actors seeking to broker a ceasefire. However, with both military activity and rhetoric intensifying, prospects for a negotiated resolution remain uncertain, and fears of a broader ground conflict continue to grow.

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