"We are waiting for them. We are ready for this war", Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on 5/3, emphasizing that Tehran is prepared to deal with a scenario of US ground attacks and does not fear their advance.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on 17/2. Photo: Reuters

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, also warned on the same day that if US forces intend to enter, they will face severe consequences.

"The brave sons of Khomeini and Khamenei are waiting for you, ready to destroy and capture thousands of US soldiers to bring shame upon US officials", Larijani said, referring to two former supreme leaders Ruhollah Khomeini and Ali Khamenei.

Larijani, a close advisor to the assassinated Supreme Leader, is one of the most powerful figures in Iran.

The US and Israel launched air strikes against Iran starting on 28/2, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory and US bases in the region.

President Donald Trump stated that the ongoing conflict is "going better than expected", with the US and Israel controlling Iranian airspace and continuously attacking the country. The US leader also did not rule out the possibility of deploying ground troops to Iran, but suggested it might not be necessary at this time.

Iran, meanwhile, responded sharply, vowing to continue retaliatory attacks and asserting no need for negotiations with the US.

Ngoc Anh (According to Al Jazeera, Reuters, AFP)