Iran's parliamentary speaker revealed that his country is awaiting a "ground attack" from the U.S., accusing America of secretly planning an assault despite publicly talking about negotiations.
On 29 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Iran's parliamentary speaker accused the United States of planning a ground attack, despite Donald Trump discussing diplomatic talks, following the arrival of a U.S. warship and about 3,500 military personnel in the Middle East.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliamentary speaker, made the statement after months of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, and ahead of a key regional meeting scheduled for Monday.
The conflict has escalated into a regional war as Iran retaliated against U.S. and Israeli strikes by firing missiles and launching drone attacks on Gulf countries, severely disrupting energy markets and threatening the global economy.
"The enemy publicly talks of negotiations and dialogue, but secretly plans a ground attack," Ghalibaf said in a statement released by the official IRNA news agency. "Our forces are waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground to scorch them and eliminate their regional allies once and for all."
The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship carrying approximately 3,500 Marines and Navy personnel, arrived in the Middle East last Friday, according to the U.S. Central Command.
Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon has been preparing ground operation plans for several weeks, which may include an assault on Kharg Island and nearby areas around the Strait of Hormuz, although President Donald Trump has not yet authorized troop deployment.
Iran stated that it has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to prevent enemy ships from passing through.
Previously, Trump repeatedly said diplomatic contacts between the U.S. and Iran were ongoing, but Tehran denied this. Meanwhile, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said a U.S.-Iran meeting could happen soon, promoting a 15-point plan Washington claims "can solve all problems."
Pakistan, acting as a mediator between Washington and Tehran, is hosting a meeting of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt in Islamabad to discuss the crisis.
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Source:cna