Iran’s parliament speaker said the country’s forces are “waiting” for American troops as he accused the US of “secretly planning a ground invasion” while talking of negotiations.
In comments made on the 30th day of the US-Israeli war with Iran, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who has emerged as one of the most prominent voices inside the country, said by offering talks, the United States was hoping to achieve through negotiations what it had “failed to achieve” through war.
“The United States speaks of its aspirations, presenting what it failed to achieve in war as a 15-point list to pursue through diplomacy,” he added.
In a message of defiance, Ghalibaf said, “As long as the Americans seek Iran’s surrender, the answer of your sons remains clear: ‘Far be it from us to accept humiliation.’”
It comes as Pakistan is hosting discussions today between the foreign ministers of Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia with the aim of de-escalating the war.
Meanwhile, the USS Tripoli — carrying 3,500 US service members — has arrived in the Middle East, according to US Central Command, as the Pentagon weighs its next steps.
