Iran Defies U.S. Over Possible Ground Invasion

Iran responded harshly to U.S. threats of a possible ground invasion. The government assured that it “counts the minutes” to receive American soldiers if Trump orders the takeover of Kharg Island, a key strategic point for Iranian oil. Additionally, the warning escalates tensions in a war already marked by daily bombings and the growing possibility that the conflict shifts from the air to ground operations.

What did Iran say about a U.S. ground invasion?

At a press conference in Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei sent a direct message to Washington. He noted that “there are people in those very areas, and there are many of them, who are counting the minutes to welcome” U.S. soldiers. With that phrase, the diplomat suggested that Iran feels prepared to face a ground intervention. Moreover, far from fearing it, some sectors are waiting for it as an opportunity to respond.

Baqaei warned that the United States “will see the consequences” of any attempt to take Kharg. And he spoke of military “adventures” that could be very costly for Washington. The spokesman insisted that in the south of the country and on the Gulf islands, there are people who “await the arrival” of U.S. troops. This language seeks to show determination and deterrence: it attempts to convince Trump that a landing would not be simple or quick.

At the same time, Baqaei confirmed that Tehran has received “proposals” through mediators to stop the new phase of combat with the United States. However, he made clear that the war will continue until achieving sufficient “deterrence” against new attacks. That is, Iran does not rule out dialogue, but conditions any ceasefire on security guarantees against future U.S. bombings.

Why is Kharg Island so important in this war?

Kharg Island, also known as Kharg, is a critical point in the Iranian economy. Around 90% of the crude that Iran exports to the world departs from there, according to agency calculations. It is a small island, about 20 square kilometers, located about 25 kilometers off the Iranian coast and linked by pipelines to nearby oil fields.

The United States and Israel have already bombed military installations on Kharg since the start of the war. However, they have avoided damaging the main oil infrastructure. Analysts interpret this decision as a form of “limited pressure”:” striking military capabilities without causing an immediate collapse of the Iranian economy. This could drive global oil prices even higher.

Media outlets such as Axios and Al Jazeera have revealed that Washington is considering occupying the island to gain leverage over Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Control of Kharg would allow direct pressure on Iranian exports and alter the balance of power in a region that moves about 20% of the world’s oil. Therefore, a ground operation on that island is not just a military matter. It is also an energy and geopolitical issue.

What has Trump said about a possible ground operation?

Trump has mentioned on several occasions the option of a ground operation on Kharg. In an interview, he assured that he does not rule out sending troops if he manages to “degrade sufficiently” the capabilities