Iran says it is ready for ground invasion and rejects ceasefire with US

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Thursday that Tehran is prepared for any military escalation, including a possible ground invasion, warning that such a move would have catastrophic consequences for its adversaries.

Speaking to NBC News, Araqchi said Iran’s armed forces were ready to confront any scenario arising from the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

“We are prepared for any eventuality, even a ground invasion,” he said.

Araqchi also dismissed reports suggesting that the United States might support Kurdish armed groups in an attempt to destabilise or overthrow the Iranian government. Such reports have been denied by the White House.

“We are waiting for them. We are certain of our ability to confront them, and it will be a disaster for them,” he said.

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The Iranian foreign minister stressed that Tehran is not seeking a ceasefire or negotiations with Washington, six days after the outbreak of the Israeli-American war against Iran.

“We negotiated with them twice, and each time they attacked us in the middle of the negotiations,” Araqchi said, referring to the conflict that erupted in June 2025 and lasted 12 days.

He added that Iran sees no justification for entering into new talks with the United States under current conditions.

Araqchi also addressed concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime routes for oil shipments. He said Iran currently has no intention of closing the strait but did not rule out the possibility if the war escalates.

“We have no intention of closing the strait at this stage,” he said. “It has not been closed, but ships and oil tankers are avoiding it because they fear being targeted by one side or the other.”

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