Iran’s army chief says ‘no enemy troops should survive’ if US attempts ground invasion

ISTANBUL

Iran’s army chief warned Thursday that “no enemy troops should survive” if the US attempts a ground invasion.

“In the event the enemy attempts a ground operation, no one should survive,” Amir Hatami said in comments carried by state broadcaster IRIB.

Hatami said the military leadership has instructed operational commands to closely monitor movements by the US forces and respond in a timely manner.

“It is necessary to monitor the enemy’s movements and actions with utmost precision and extreme caution, moment by moment, and to implement plans to counter its attack methods at the appropriate time,” he said.

“The specter of war must be removed from our country, and security must prevail for all, as it is unacceptable for places to be safe while our people are in danger,” he added.

On Saturday, The Washington Post, citing officials, said that the Pentagon is preparing potential ground operations in Iran as thousands of US troops deploy to the Middle East, pending a decision by President Donald Trump.

Officials said the plans could mark “a new phase of the war” that may be “significantly more dangerous” for US forces than the first four weeks of fighting, according to the newspaper.

Discussions have included potential operations targeting Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub, and coastal raids near the Strait of Hormuz to neutralize threats to shipping.

Officials said possible missions could last “weeks, not months,” while others estimated “a couple of months.”

Thirteen US troops have been killed and more than 300 wounded in attacks across the region since the war began in late February, said officials.

Regional escalations have continued to rage since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.