Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, on Sunday accused the United States of attempting to achieve its war objectives through diplomatic means after failing to secure them militarily, warning that any potential ground invasion of Iran would be met with a “decisive” response.
Qalibaf made the remarks in a statement posted on his official Telegram channel, where he alleged that Washington is simultaneously calling for negotiations while covertly preparing for a possible ground offensive against the Islamic Republic.
According to the Iranian official, recent statements from US leaders about diplomacy are part of a broader strategy to impose conditions on Tehran that could not be achieved through ongoing military actions.
“These days, different words and statements are heard from enemy officials about negotiations. America is expressing its desires and declaring what it has not achieved in war as a 15-point list and seeking it in diplomacy,” Qalibaf stated.
He maintained that Iran remains fully prepared to confront any escalation, particularly the prospect of a ground attack by US forces, emphasizing that such a move would trigger a strong and immediate retaliation.
“The Americans are openly calling for negotiations while secretly planning a ground attack,” he alleged, adding that Iranian forces stand ready to defend the country’s sovereignty against any form of external aggression.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following weeks of sustained hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The crisis has seen an intensification of military operations, with both sides exchanging strikes that have resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction.
Iran had earlier rejected a reported 15-point proposal put forward by the United States aimed at ending the conflict. Tehran insisted that any ceasefire arrangement must align strictly with its own conditions and timeline, underscoring its refusal to accept externally imposed terms.
State television in Iran, citing an unnamed official, reported that the country has outlined five key conditions for ending the war. Among these demands is a complete halt to what Tehran described as “aggression and assassinations,” signaling its insistence on guarantees against further military actions.
The developments come against the backdrop of reports suggesting that the United States is considering a possible ground operation in Iran. Thousands of American troops have reportedly been deployed to various locations across the Middle East, awaiting a final decision from President Donald Trump on the next course of action.
Meanwhile, military confrontations between Iran and its adversaries have continued unabated. The United States and Israel have sustained a campaign of airstrikes targeting Iranian positions since February 28. The strikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 1,340 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
In response, Iran has launched a series of retaliatory drone and missile attacks aimed at Israeli targets, as well as locations in Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf states believed to host US military installations. These counterattacks have caused casualties, inflicted damage on critical infrastructure, and contributed to broader regional instability.
The ongoing conflict has also had far-reaching economic and geopolitical implications, including disruptions to global markets and aviation operations. Analysts warn that continued escalation could further destabilize the region and draw in additional actors, increasing the risk of a wider confrontation.
Qalibaf’s remarks highlight the deep mistrust between Tehran and Washington, as well as the challenges facing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis. While calls for negotiations have intensified, both sides appear firmly entrenched in their positions, raising concerns about the prospects for a near-term resolution.
Observers note that Iran’s insistence on setting its own conditions for a ceasefire reflects a broader strategy aimed at maintaining leverage in any future negotiations. At the same time, the United States and its allies continue to push for terms that address security concerns and limit Iran’s military capabilities.
As tensions remain high, the international community has renewed calls for restraint and dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the situation. However, with ongoing military engagements and increasingly sharp rhetoric from key actors, the path toward de-escalation remains uncertain.
The situation continues to evolve, with global attention focused on whether diplomatic channels can be revived or if the conflict will escalate into a more direct and potentially devastating confrontation.
