TEHRAN, Mar 31 (V7N) — As the conflict between the United States and Iran enters its 32nd day, Iranian officials have escalated their rhetoric regarding a potential shift from an aerial campaign to a ground invasion. Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told Iran International on Tuesday that the country's land forces are prepared and "looking forward" to a direct confrontation with U.S. troops.

The lawmaker’s comments follow the arrival of the USS Tripoli in the region, carrying approximately 3,500 U.S. Marines and sailors. Ardestani claimed that the deployment of ground troops would be a "historical folly," asserting that Iran’s standing army and the one million mobilized volunteers recently announced by the IRGC would create a "historical hell" for invading forces.

The "Lose-Lose" Argument

Ardestani characterized President Donald Trump’s current strategic position as a trap with no favorable outcome:

  • Continuing the War: He argued that a prolonged conflict would lead to mounting U.S. casualties, spikes in global energy prices (already exceeding $115 per barrel), and further damage to the U.S. economy.

  • Withdrawing: Conversely, he claimed that a withdrawal now, without achieving the "unconditional surrender" the White House previously demanded, would be viewed globally as a strategic defeat for the Trump administration.

"Trump is in a situation where he will lose whether he continues or withdraws," Ardestani stated, according to Tasnim News Agency.

Recruitment and Mobilization

The lawmaker’s assertions align with a broader domestic mobilization effort. Over the past week, Iranian media has reported a "massive surge" in applications from youth joining the Basij paramilitary force and the regular army. Military sources in Tehran have warned that any attempt by the U.S. to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz via a ground-based "bridgehead" or naval landing would be met with asymmetric warfare.

While President Trump recently signaled a "softer tone," suggesting he might end military operations even if the Strait remains closed, the rhetoric from Tehran suggests the Iranian leadership remains committed to a policy of total resistance until a formal "declaration of defeat" is issued by Washington.

END/SMA/AJ