Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has accused the United States of pursuing a covert ground offensive while publicly projecting openness to diplomatic engagement to end the ongoing conflict.
In a statement reported by the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on Sunday, Ghalibaf alleged that Washington’s diplomatic overtures were being used as a cover for military preparations.
“The enemy publicly sends messages of negotiation and dialogue while secretly planning a ground attack,” he said, warning of a strong response from Iranian forces.
Ghalibaf added that Iranian troops were prepared for any escalation, suggesting that a potential ground incursion would be met with forceful resistance.
The remarks come as the conflict in the Middle East enters its second month, following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28. The war was triggered by coordinated air strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iran, an offensive that resulted in significant casualties, including the country’s supreme leader.
READ ALSO: Trump Delays Iran Strikes As Talks Continue, Israel Hits Tehran
Since then, the conflict has expanded across the region, raising fears of a broader confrontation involving multiple state and non-state actors.
Despite intermittent signals of possible negotiations, tensions remain high, with both sides intensifying military operations and rhetoric. Analysts say the gap between diplomatic messaging and battlefield realities continues to complicate efforts toward de-escalation.
Ghalibaf’s statement underscores the deep mistrust between the parties and highlights the fragile state of any potential peace process, as the region grapples with the humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of the ongoing war.