German Media: Will the U.S. Launch Ground Operations in Iran? Iranian Parliament Speaker Threatens to Burn U.S. Troops to Ashes

The Iranian Parliament Speaker claimed on Sunday that although the United States is outwardly conducting active diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East war, it is actually planning a ground offensive against Iran. According to The Washington Post, the U.S. Department of Defense is preparing for a ground operation in Iran lasting several weeks.

In a statement released by Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said: "The enemy sends messages of negotiation and dialogue on the surface, but secretly plots a ground assault."

He added: "Our troops are waiting for U.S. forces to set foot on our soil, then we will burn them to ashes and thoroughly punish their regional allies." He further stated, "We are confident we can hold the U.S. accountable for attacking Iran and firmly defend our legitimate rights and interests."

Qalibaf called on the Iranian people to unite and asserted that Iran is now in a 'major global war' at its 'most critical' stage.

On March 23, Qalibaf posted on social media denying any negotiations with the United States.

American Media: Up to 10,000 U.S. Infantry Could Be Deployed to the Gulf Region

According to The Washington Post, the U.S. Department of Defense is preparing for a ground operation in Iran lasting several weeks. Citing anonymous officials, the report noted that the Pentagon has been developing potential ground assault plans "for weeks." This operation would not constitute a full-scale invasion but would involve strikes on specific targets, possibly including Khark Island and coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz. Khark Island, located at the northern end of the Persian Gulf, holds strategic importance as 90% of Iran's crude oil exports pass through it.

However, it remains unclear whether President Trump will approve such a plan, given his previous pledge that U.S. forces would not be involved in overseas wars. The Trump administration has yet to comment. U.S. senior officials have repeatedly ruled out the possibility of ground operations against Iran; Secretary of State Rubio insisted last Friday that Washington could achieve its objectives through aerial bombing without deploying ground troops.

Over the past few weeks, thousands of U.S. soldiers have been redeployed from Asia to the Middle East, including Marines from the 31st and 11th Expeditionary Units and paratroopers from the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Meanwhile, the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying about 2,500 U.S. Marines, has arrived in the region. According to The Wall Street Journal, as many as 10,000 U.S. infantry personnel could be deployed to the Gulf area.

In the Gulf Wars of 1991 and 2003, hundreds of thousands of U.S. and allied troops were deployed to the region. In contrast, this deployment involves significantly smaller forces and lacks equivalent armor and logistical support. Nevertheless, these forces could conduct limited attacks on key Iranian facilities around the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas.

Pakistan Plays Mediator Role

On March 26, Trump announced he would delay the U.S. operation aimed at destroying Iran’s energy infrastructure by 10 days, pushing the deadline to 8 p.m. EDT on April 6, 2026. He also claimed negotiations were still ongoing. At the same time, U.S. and Israeli forces continued intense strikes on key Iranian regime targets, including Iran’s nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, Houthi fighters, backed by Iran, announced on Saturday they had launched missile attacks against Israel—marking the first time the Houthis have participated in this conflict.

The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt arrived in Pakistan on Sunday for a two-day meeting on the Middle East crisis. Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif said he had held a “detailed” phone call with Iranian President Pezeshkian on Saturday, referring to him as a “brother.” Sharif also stated he had encouraged Pezeshkian to use “Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic mediation” to engage with the United States, as well as Gulf and Islamic nations, to promote dialogue and ease tensions. The Pezeshkian office praised Islamabad’s efforts. As the conflict continues, Pakistan has emerged as an important diplomatic link between Iran and the United States, serving as an intermediary for information exchange between both sides.

Source: DW, incorporating reports from AFP, Reuters, DPA, among others

Original Article: toutiao.com/article/1861005247178759/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author