IRAN WARNS OF ‘SEVERE PUNISHMENT’ OVER POSSIBLE US GROUND OFFENSIVE

TEHRAN, March 30 (Bernama-MNA) -- Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the country’s armed forces are fully prepared for a potential ground invasion and expressed confidence that the “enemy” will be defeated, Mehr News Agency (MNA) reported.

In a message released on Sunday, Ghalibaf said any attempt by the United States (US) to initiate a ground offensive against Iran would result in “severe punishment” for US forces and their partners in the region.

In the message marking the 30th day of “a national defence period”, Ghalibaf praised widespread public mobilisation, saying the presence of millions of Iranians in the streets reflects the country’s social strength and plays a direct role in confronting the enemy.

He underlined that national unity has frustrated hostile efforts to fragment Iranian society, adding that the country has instead grown more cohesive in the face of external pressure.

Ghalibaf also said Washington and its allies are struggling with mounting challenges, including military setbacks and economic strain, while their initial objective in the war has failed to materialise.

Highlighting regional dynamics, he said resistance groups across the region have intensified pressure on opposing forces, contributing to a shifting balance on the battlefield.

The Iranian speaker further warned that while the US publicly signals interest in negotiations, it is simultaneously pursuing plans for a ground invasion.

He said Iranian forces are prepared for such a scenario and would respond decisively.

Ghalibaf stressed that Iran would not accept demands amounting to surrender and would continue its course until achieving victory, adding that the outcome of the conflict would serve as a lasting lesson for any future aggressors.

-- BERNAMA-MNA