Iran wary of diplomacy with the US amid reports of planned ground offensive
Iran Doubts US Diplomacy Amid Reports of Planned Ground Offensive
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned on Sunday that while the US is publicly promoting diplomatic talks to end the conflict, it is also secretly planning a ground attack. His remarks came as reports surfaced about the Pentagon’s preparations for military operations in Iran, potentially lasting several weeks.
“The enemy publicly sends messages of negotiation and dialogue while secretly planning a ground attack,” Ghalibaf said in a statement by the official IRNA news agency. “Our forces are prepared to retaliate once American troops arrive, aiming to exact revenge on regional allies.”
Earlier, the Washington Post cited Pentagon plans for an extended ground campaign. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt clarified that such preparations are routine, emphasizing that the President has not yet finalized any decision.
The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship carrying around 3,500 Marines and sailors, arrived in the Middle East on Friday. This development coincides with Pakistan’s government convening with key regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, to address the ongoing war.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reported “extensive discussions” with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the talks in Islamabad. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed skepticism about recent diplomatic overtures, speaking by phone with his Turkish counterpart. He criticized the US for making “unreasonable demands” and displaying “contradictory actions.”
Iranian state media highlighted Araghchi’s accusations, noting the US has pushed a 15-point “action list” for a possible ceasefire. This includes proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and limit Iran’s nuclear program, which is central to tensions with the US and Israel. Tehran rejected the list and countered with a five-point plan that demands reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the critical waterway.
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen joined the war on Saturday, expanding the conflict’s scope. The group launched its first ballistic missile barrage targeting “sensitive Israeli military sites,” supporting resistance efforts in Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine. The US and Israel have continued strikes on Iran, which has retaliated by attacking Israel and Gulf Arab states.
More than 3,000 people have been killed across all fronts since the war began. The conflict, now in its second month, has disrupted oil and gas supplies, caused a fertiliser shortage, and impacted regional air travel. Iran maintains control of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked since February 28, but agreed to allow humanitarian aid and agricultural shipments through it on Friday.
Trump has set a deadline for Tehran to reopen the waterway unconditionally by April 6, or face intensified attacks. The timeframe is intended to give diplomats time to seek a ceasefire. Houthi involvement could further threaten global shipping if they target vessels in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key trade route for 12% of the world’s commerce.
