‘We Are Waiting For Them’: Iran Throws Down Challenge To US On Ground Invasion

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed direct contact with US President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff amid the ongoing conflict, while playing down the prospect of formal negotiations. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi said communication channels remain open but stressed that Iran is preparing for further escalation, including the possibility of a US ground offensive and disputes over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

‘We Are Ready For Ground War’

Addressing reports that Washington is weighing options for a potential ground invasion, Araghchi struck a defiant tone, insisting Iran is fully prepared to confront any such move.

“We are waiting for them,” he said, adding that Tehran does not believe the US would “dare” to launch a land assault. He warned that any ground engagement would be met with significant resistance, stressing that Iran’s military is better positioned to defend itself in such a scenario.

His remarks come as the US increases troop deployments in the Gulf, fuelling speculation about a broader escalation beyond air and naval operations. While Washington has publicly kept the door open for diplomacy, Tehran appears to be bracing for a worst-case outcome.

Hormuz Future ‘For Iran & Oman’

Araghchi also outlined Iran’s position on the future of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes during peacetime.

He said decisions on the waterway’s future would rest with Iran and Oman once the conflict ends, though he emphasised that Tehran ultimately wants the strait to remain a “peaceful waterway”.

At the same time, he made clear that access is conditional during wartime. “Only for the ships of those who are at war with us, this strait is closed,” he said, arguing that preventing enemy-linked vessels from using Iranian territorial waters is standard practice.

Despite tensions, Araghchi noted that ships from several countries-including India, Pakistan, Turkey and China-have continued transiting the strait, in some cases following direct coordination with Iranian authorities.