Iran's Parliamentary Speaker Issues Warning Amid US Military Escalation

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has issued a stern warning to the United States, stating that Tehran will not concede and declaring that the current conflict "will not end without victory." In a definitive message following over a month of intense fighting, Qalibaf emphasised that both Iran and its regional allies have already inflicted significant damage on the US and its partners. He remarked that resistance groups throughout Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen are becoming increasingly robust.

He accused the United States of conveying mixed messages, publicly discussing the possibility of negotiations while clandestinely preparing for military escalation. "The enemy talks about negotiations but plans attacks," he stated, cautioning the Iranian populace against being misled by these communications.

This revelation arises concurrently with Pentagon preparations for potential ground operations in Iran, where thousands of US Marines and soldiers are strategically stationed across the Middle East. US officials are reportedly contemplating short, impactful missions involving both Special Operations forces and regular troops aimed at striking critical military objectives, including missile systems, air defences, and coastal facilities.

While officials assert that these actions should not be interpreted as a full-scale invasion, the strategies being discussed involve rapid raids that could last for weeks. More aggressive tactics, described as a potential "final blow," are also on the table, including the seizing or blockading of Iran's vital oil infrastructure at Kharg Island, targeted assaults near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and limited ground actions related to nuclear sites.

Qalibaf's remarks hinted at preparations within Iran for such scenarios. "Our people should not think the enemy can enter easily," he said, reaffirming that missile strikes would persist and claiming that Iranian forces are observing "fear and panic" among their foes. He made it unequivocally clear that any American attempt to compel Iran into submission would be futile. "As long as they seek Iran’s surrender, the answer is clear — we will not accept humiliation," he asserted.

By framing the ongoing conflict as a segment of a larger global confrontation, Qalibaf conveyed that Iran would continue with comprehensive public mobilisation and military resistance. He cautioned that any assault would meet with retaliation sufficient for the US to "regret" its actions, reinforcing that the conflict would not conclude without a decisive resolution.

The Iranian leader praised the nation's widespread mobilisation, stating that citizens from diverse backgrounds, including workers and artists, have united in support of the war effort, further consolidating the country’s position. He urged the populace to remain engaged, asserting that public involvement is pivotal in sustaining the resistance.

On the other side, US military planning reveals the considerable risks of escalation. Any ground operation would place American troops in jeopardy, exposing them to drone attacks, missile strikes, and determined resistance from Iran's Revolutionary Guard, especially in contested territories like Kharg Island. Despite earlier hesitance expressed by former President Donald Trump regarding troop deployment, officials within Washington have indicated a readiness to escalate actions should diplomatic efforts falter.

In response, Iran insists that it will retaliate without limits to any aggression on its territory, raising concerns that even minimal US ground operations could provoke a broader regional conflict.