Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has threatened to “set fire” to American forces if the United States launches a ground invasion of the Islamic Republic. Speaking on Iranian state media, he said Tehran is “waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground to set them on fire”. The warning follows reports that the Pentagon is awaiting President Trump’s approval for ground operations in Iran.
Thousands of US sailors and marines have arrived in the Middle East aboard the USS Tripoli, as confirmed by US Central Command. Mr Ghalibaf mocked America’s 15-point plan, accusing Washington of plotting a ground attack while publicly signalling negotiation. “Our missiles are in place. Our determination and faith have increased,” he said, adding that Iran will “punish their regional partners forever”.
Elsewhere, Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a second wave of missiles at Israel within 24 hours, and oil prices are on track for a record monthly surge, with Brent crude rising 51 per cent. The European Union’s maritime security body warned ships to avoid Yemeni territorial waters amid fears of renewed Houthi attacks on merchant vessels.
Pakistan hosted talks with Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia on Sunday to discuss unblocking the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, an Iranian missile attack on a US airbase in Saudi Arabia damaged several aircraft, including an E-3 Sentry, and injured 12 US personnel. In Kuwait, 10 army personnel were wounded after a missile attack on a military camp. Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, thanked Iraq for its support against “US-Israel aggression”.
