The conflict in West Asia continues to intensify, with Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf making strong remarks against the United States. He accused US President Donald Trump of pretending to engage in peace talks while secretly preparing for ground operations against Iran. Warning of a fierce response, Ghalibaf stated that Iranian forces are ready to confront US troops and would retaliate immediately if they enter Iranian territory, adding that US allies could also be targeted.
Amid rising tensions, reports suggest that nearly 3,500 US Marines are being deployed under Central Command, signaling a possible escalation. At the same time, claims that US forces have taken control of Kharg Island—a key hub for Iran’s oil exports—have drawn sharp reactions from Tehran. Ghalibaf condemned the move, describing it as a direct attack on Iran’s economic backbone.
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani reiterated that Iran did not initiate the conflict and has suffered significant losses. She stressed that any negotiations must include compensation for damages, along with discussions on sanctions relief and Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. She maintained that Iran remains open to peace, but only under fair conditions.
Meanwhile, hostilities continue unabated, with fresh attacks reported on Iranian territory on Sunday. Several civilians were injured in the strikes, while Israel stated that it targeted a temporary command center and a weapons production facility. Despite earlier indications of a pause in attacks on critical infrastructure, ongoing strikes suggest that ceasefire efforts are struggling, raising fears of a prolonged and wider conflict in the region.