Iran has declared that it is fully prepared to confront any potential U.S. ground invasion, warning Washington against any attempt to seize the strategically important Kharg Island.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Monday (July 20), Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran’s leadership is ready for any military escalation.
“There are people within Iran’s leadership who are counting the minutes until a possible U.S. ground operation and are ready to welcome American troops,” Baghaei said.
According to Al Jazeera, he also warned that any attempt by the United States to capture Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s oil exports, would carry serious consequences.
Diplomacy Remains an Option
When asked whether the door to negotiations with Washington had closed, Baghaei rejected the notion that diplomacy and war are mutually exclusive.
He said Iran considers both diplomacy and military action as legitimate means of protecting its national interests.
“I reject the false choice between war and diplomacy. Diplomacy is a tool for securing our national interests, just as military action can be.”
Memorandum of Understanding
Baghaei insisted that there is no ambiguity in the interim Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Iran and the United States.
According to him:
The agreement consists of 14 articles.
Iran has consistently maintained that the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz falls under Iran’s responsibility.
Any future arrangements would involve consultations with Oman and dialogue with regional countries.
He argued that the agreement’s wording is clear, leaving the United States with “no excuse” to violate it.
Messages Through Mediators
Despite the ongoing tensions, Baghaei revealed that indirect diplomatic contacts continue.
He said Iran has received messages from the United States through third-party mediators but declined to disclose their contents.
“Diplomatic activity has continued in recent days, and several mediators have conveyed proposals and ideas to us.”
Blames Washington for Escalation
Baghaei accused the United States of fueling the current crisis while stressing that Iran has no hostile intentions toward neighboring countries.
However, he urged regional governments not to allow their territory to be used for attacks against Iran.
He warned that as long as attacks against Iran continue from neighboring territories, Iranian armed forces will continue to respond accordingly.
