Key facts
- Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei warned that no American soldier would return alive from Iran.
- The statement was a direct response to President Donald Trump's threat to invade Iran's Kharg Island.
- President Trump expressed doubt about pursuing a deal with Iran's leadership.
- The US military conducted strikes on Iranian targets following attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Pakistan has called for restraint and offered to play a role in dialogue.
Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament's Foreign Policy and National Security Committee, issued a strong warning to US military personnel, stating, "Not even a single American soldier will return alive." This statement was made on X in direct response to President Donald Trump's threat to invade Iran's strategically important Kharg Island.
Rezaei added, "Come on, we're waiting for you," signaling Iran's readiness to confront any US military action. The escalating rhetoric follows a period of increased military exchanges, with US Central Command reporting strikes on over 60 small boats belonging to the IRGC in retaliation for attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington also revoked a license for Iran to sell oil.
President Trump, speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, expressed uncertainty about continuing negotiations with Iranian leaders, stating he was "not sure" he wanted to make a deal. He also suggested that a full-fledged conflict was unlikely. Meanwhile, Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, indicated that Tehran must respond to Trump "in his own language," viewing the threats as an "admission of failure" of US policy. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry called for restraint from all parties and offered to play a role in dialogue.