Amid the ongoing war and rising tensions in West Asia, Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States. Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, said that if American forces attempt to enter Iranian territory, thousands of US soldiers would be killed or captured.
Larijani’s statement comes at a time when US President Donald Trump and several members of his administration have not ruled out the possibility of a ground military operation against Iran.
Tensions Escalate After Khamenei’s Assassination
Regional tensions sharply intensified after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated last Saturday in a joint US–Israeli airstrike.
Larijani, considered a close ally of Khamenei, warned that any US ground invasion of Iran would have serious consequences.
“Some American officials have said they want to land on Iranian soil with thousands of troops. The brave sons of Imam Khomeini and Imam Khamenei are waiting for them. They will humiliate the corrupt American officials and will kill or capture thousands of soldiers,” he said
“We Are Not Afraid, We Are Waiting”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also echoed the warning to Washington. In an interview with US media, he said Iran is not intimidated by the possibility of an American ground assault. “No, we are not afraid. We are waiting for them. If the United States launches a ground invasion, it will turn into a major disaster for its soldiers,” Araghchi said.
Continued Attacks on Iran
Since the war began, the United States and Israel have carried out large-scale bombardments on several Iranian military facilities. In response, Iran has launched missile and drone strikes across the Middle East, deepening the regional conflict.
President Trump has claimed that the war is going “better than expected” and that the US and Israel have gained control of Iranian airspace. However, Tehran has made it clear that it will not step back without avenging Khamenei’s killing.
Iran Rejects Talks With the US
Larijani also stated that under the current circumstances Iran is not ready for any form of negotiations with Washington. “We will not hold any talks with the United States,” he said.
Discussion of ‘Venezuela Model’
Meanwhile, President Trump has hinted that he may pursue a strategy in Iran similar to what the US recently implemented in Venezuela. In January, the United States detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and transferred him to the US. Power was later handed to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who enjoys American support.
Trump suggested that a similar scenario could be “the best option” for Iran.
Debate Over Khamenei’s Successor
Iran’s next Supreme Leader will be selected by the clerical body known as the Assembly of Experts. Among the potential contenders is Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late supreme leader.
However, Trump has already indicated that Washington would not accept his leadership.
War Followed Failed Geneva Talks
The war erupted only days after US and Iranian officials held talks in Geneva aimed at reducing tensions. Shortly after those discussions, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military campaign against Iran.
Risk of a Wider Regional War
Analysts warn that if the United States deploys ground troops in Iran, the conflict could expand into a much broader regional war across the Middle East. Such an escalation could severely disrupt global oil supplies, international trade, and the world economy.
