Iran Reacts to Reports of U.S. Considering Ground Operations: ‘We Will Never Accept Humiliation’

(SeaPRwire) –   Iran has issued a strong response on Sunday to reports suggesting the U.S. may be preparing ground forces for its objectives, which include dismantling Iran’s nuclear weapons program and controlling the Strait of Hormuz.

“As long as the Americans seek Iran’s surrender, our response is that we will never accept humiliation,” stated Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, on Sunday.

He added that Iranian forces “are waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional partners forever.”

“Our firing continues. Our missiles are in place. Our determination and faith have increased.”

The speaker’s remarks followed a report from The Washington Post, which indicated that the Trump administration and the Department of Defense were developing options for President Trump to deploy ground forces. These potential operations could aim to secure remaining elements of Iran’s nuclear program or counter further Iranian aggression impacting oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Citing anonymous sources, The Post reported on Saturday that the Pentagon is preparing potential U.S. ground operations in Iran, which could extend for several weeks if approved by President Trump. The reported plans involve limited raids by Special Operations and conventional forces, rather than a full-scale invasion, with potential targets including Kharg Island and coastal weapons sites near the Strait of Hormuz.

“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the commander in chief maximum optionality,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told The Post in a statement, echoing earlier comments. “It does not mean the president has made a decision.”

The Pentagon was contacted for comment on Sunday morning.

Reuters separately reported that the administration has considered deploying thousands of additional troops to the region and that President Trump has contemplated using ground forces to seize Kharg Island. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that the United States is not currently positioned for ground operations, which would offer President Trump “maximum” flexibility, but suggested that objectives could be met without them.

The possibility of U.S. troops entering Iran is considered politically contentious and militarily risky, with analysts warning that even a limited territorial seizure could lead to sustained counterattacks against American forces and hinder efforts to conclude a conflict swiftly.

The United States has deployed thousands of Marines to the Middle East, with the first of two contingents arriving on Friday aboard an amphibious assault ship, according to the U.S. military.

Last week, the United States announced it had presented Iran with a 15-point ceasefire proposal, including a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and limit Iran’s nuclear program. However, Tehran has rejected this proposal and put forward its own terms.

With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, concerns have also arisen regarding shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea, particularly after the involvement of Yemen’s Houthis.

President Trump has threatened to target Iranian power stations and other energy infrastructure if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, although he has extended the deadline by 10 days.

Threats from Iran against ships have deterred most oil tankers from attempting to transit the waterway. Iran has agreed to allow an additional 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the strait, with two ships permitted to transit daily.