Iran says it is prepared for possible US ground invasion

Tehran has stated that it is ready to face a possible ground invasion by the United States. This comment comes as the US military continues its strikes on Iran for a ninth consecutive night. The attacks are in response to the deaths of American soldiers in Jordan and Iraq over the weekend. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said that the country's leadership is 'counting down the minutes to welcome' US forces if they invade. He also mentioned a Pakistan-brokered interim deal signed with the US in June. According to him, the terms of that agreement are clear, and Washington has no excuse to violate it. The US military said its strikes targeted Iranian military command centers, air defense systems, coastal surveillance sites, and other capabilities. The aim, they stated, is to reduce Iran's ability to attack commercial ships and civilian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions between the two countries have been rising. The US has been conducting airstrikes against Iranian-linked targets in the region. Iran has responded by threatening to disrupt shipping in the vital waterway, through which a significant portion of the world's oil passes. Experts warn that the conflict could escalate further if a ground invasion occurs. However, both sides have also shown willingness to negotiate in the past. The situation remains tense, with no clear sign of de-escalation.