They will get stuck, bogged down: Iran political expert warns US against ground ops

Mohammad Marandi has warned the United States against launching a ground operation in Iran, cautioning that American troops would “get stuck,” become bogged down, and face heavy costs. In an exclusive interview with India Today's Geeta Mohan, Marandi dismissed reports of ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, asserting that Tehran will not accept a ceasefire. He described the situation as the second war imposed on Iran by the US and Israel in less than a year, claiming earlier diplomatic efforts were deceptive conspiracies.

Marandi stressed that Iran’s five key conditions are non-negotiable, calling the conflict “a war of survival for an ancient civilization.” He further alleged that Gulf Cooperation Council countries allowed their territories and airspace to be used by American forces, making them complicit in attacks on Iran. According to him, these Gulf nations must pay reparations.

He also asserted Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. Marandi rejected claims by Donald Trump regarding alleged Iranian gifts, and questioned whether the former US president was being misled by his advisers.

Reiterating his warning, Marandi said any US ground invasion would fail and trigger a wider global economic crisis, adding that Iran has been preparing for a potential American attack since the aftermath of 9/11.