Iran claims the US is secretly planning a land invasion, contradicting ongoing peace talks.

Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, made a statement on Sunday, alleging that the United States is secretly planning a ground attack, despite its outward displays of diplomatic engagement aimed at ending the conflict.

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This claim was made public through the official IRNA news agency, with Ghalibaf stating that the US is sending mixed messages, publicly advocating for negotiation and dialogue while covertly preparing for a ground assault.

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Ghalibaf warned that Iranian forces are prepared to retaliate against any potential US ground invasion, vowing to punish American soldiers and the country's regional allies once and for all.

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The speaker's bold statement comes one month after the outbreak of regional war, which began on February 28 when Israel and the US launched air strikes against Iran, resulting in the death of the country's supreme leader and sparking a broader conflict across the Middle East.

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The ongoing conflict has severely impacted shipping traffic in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which 20 percent of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes, bringing it to a near-standstill.

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Ghalibaf urged Iranians to unite in the face of this global conflict, which he described as being at its most critical stage, characterizing it as a "major global war".

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He expressed confidence in Iran's ability to punish the US for its attack, secure its legitimate rights, and ultimately emerge victorious, stating that the country can make the US regret its decision to attack Iran.