Iran has warned the United States against any ground invasion, as regional powers intensified diplomatic efforts to ease tensions amid the escalating conflict.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf accused Washington of planning a ground offensive as the next phase of the war, warning that any such move would be met with force. In a statement, he said Iran’s forces were prepared to respond to any deployment of US ground troops and would not accept “humiliation.” The remarks came amid reports of increased US military presence in the region, including the deployment of the USS Tripoli carrying thousands of marines. Additional troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are also expected to be deployed.
Iran also issued threats to target American and Israeli-linked institutions in the Middle East, while rejecting a US-proposed peace plan and instead suggesting terms that include control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt met in Islamabad on Sunday to explore ways to de-escalate the conflict. The situation further intensified after Iran-backed Houthis launched missiles towards Israel, raising concerns over potential disruption to shipping routes in the Red Sea. Fresh airstrikes were reported across Iran, while Israel said it had carried out large-scale strikes targeting weapons production and storage facilities.
Monday, March 30, 2026