Iran Ready for Any US Ground Invasion, Says Senior Analyst

In a recent interview with The Hindu, prominent Iranian political analyst Mohammad Marandi stated that Iran is fully prepared to counter a potential ground invasion by the United States. Marandi, known for his close ties to the Iranian establishment, emphasised that Iran’s military capabilities and strategic alliances in the region would make any such invasion costly for the US.

The interview comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. The US has significantly increased its military presence in the Persian Gulf following a series of incidents involving oil tankers and drone strikes. While US officials have repeatedly stated that they seek a diplomatic solution, President Donald Trump has not ruled out military action. This ambiguity has fueled speculation about a possible confrontation.

Marandi dismissed the notion that Iran would be vulnerable in a ground war, citing the country’s experience in the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988) and its development of asymmetric warfare tactics. “We have prepared for every scenario,” he said. “The US knows that any ground invasion would be a quagmire, worse than Afghanistan or Iraq.”

He also highlighted Iran’s network of allies and proxies across the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shia militias in Iraq, and the Houthi movement in Yemen. These groups, he argued, could open multiple fronts against US forces and their allies.

However, independent analysts caution that while Iran’s defensive capabilities are significant, a full-scale war would be devastating for both sides. The US possesses overwhelming air and naval superiority, and its cyber capabilities are unmatched. Moreover, the economic sanctions imposed by Washington have already crippled Iran’s economy, limiting its ability to sustain a prolonged conflict.

The US State Department declined to comment on Marandi’s remarks, but a spokesperson reiterated America’s commitment to de-escalation. “We continue to pursue a path of diplomacy and pressure,” the spokesperson said. “The President has made clear that we do not seek war with Iran.”

Regional experts note that the risk of miscalculation remains high. Iran’s strategic doctrine is based on deterrence, aiming to convince adversaries that the cost of attack outweighs any benefits. The US, on the other hand, views Iran’s regional activities as destabilising and has made the containment of Iran a cornerstone of its Middle East policy.

In the interview, Marandi also touched on the broader geopolitical landscape, including the role of Russia and China. He argued that both powers would support Iran diplomatically in case of a conflict, potentially preventing the US from gaining a swift victory. However, he acknowledged that direct military intervention by either country was unlikely.

The coming months are likely to test the resilience of this delicate balance. With the US presidential election approaching, analysts predict that the Trump administration may be cautious about engaging in a new war. Conversely, Iranian leaders may perceive this as an opportunity to push their regional agenda with less American pushback.

As the standoff continues, the international community watches closely. The UN Secretary-General has called for restraint from both sides. The people of the region, many of whom have already endured decades of conflict, hope for a peaceful resolution rather than another devastating war.