Iran’s ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, says Tehran is prepared for the possibility of a U.S. ground invasion, but believes Washington will not dare to launch such an operation.

Jalali said Iran’s armed forces, the Corps of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution and the country’s security services are ready to respond. He warned that if the United States attacks, Iran’s reaction would be disproportionate. He also stressed that any contact with Washington would be conducted strictly on Tehran’s terms and in line with Iran’s interests. Jalali added that Iran does not intend to repeat what he described as the mistakes of previous talks: if negotiations take place, he said, they will come with conditions, and the «aggressor» must first be put in its place.

Earlier, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal spoke of a «frightening probability» of a U.S. ground operation in Iran after a closed-door meeting between U.S. ministers and members of Congress. The White House did not directly confirm or deny his remarks.

Later, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said U. S. President Donald Trump does not rule out sending American troops to Iran, but that it is not currently in Washington’s plans.