"Counting down the minutes" for ground invasion: Iran Foreign Ministry warns US
Tehran, July 20
Iran has warned the United States of the "consequences of any adventure" to seize the critical oil hub of Kharg Island, amid escalating threats of military action from US President Donald Trump.
During a press briefing on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei issued a stark warning, asserting that Iranian people are "counting down the minutes to welcome" American troops in the event of a ground assault.
The spokesperson underscored that any aggressive manoeuvres by the US military would trigger an aggressive backlash.
"They will face the repercussions. There are numerous people in those very regions who are eagerly awaiting their arrival," Baghaei stated.
Situated 55 kilometres off the coast of Bushehr province, Kharg Island functions as the anchor of Iran's energy sector. The facility dictates approximately 90 per cent of the nation's crude oil exports, utilising deep-water maritime lanes designed to accommodate ultra-large crude carriers.
The diplomatic friction escalates as President Trump continues to signal a sharp intensification of US military posturing, which reportedly encompasses strategies to take control of the island.
A recent report by The Wall Street Journal indicates that Washington is reviewing a broader offensive campaign against Tehran. The outlined military options reportedly span from heavy airstrikes to potential ground operations targeting vital Iranian infrastructure.
These operational plans include the tactical seizure of Kharg Island, alongside precision strikes on the fortified Pickaxe Mountain complex, a subterranean facility believed to contain elements of Iran's nuclear development project.
Securing Kharg Island would grant the US total dominance over Iran's premier economic lifeline, threatening to dismantle Tehran's financial base.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Iran's rhetoric about "counting down the minutes" is just bluster. They know a full US invasion would be disastrous for them. But Trump's team needs to be careful—this could spiral into something none of us can predict.
As an Indian, I worry about our energy security. Kharg Island handles 90% of Iran's oil exports—any conflict there will send global prices skyrocketing. We already face inflation back home. This is not just their problem, it affects us all. 🚨
The US should focus on de-escalation, not provocation. Iran's "counting down" comment is clearly provocative, but Trump's aggressive posture is equally reckless. Both sides need to step back before we see another full-blown conflict in the Gulf. 🇮🇳
This is classic brinkmanship from both sides. Iran knows the US won't easily invade, and the US knows Iran has proxies that can cause chaos. The real losers will be civilians—and countries like India that rely on stable oil markets.
I respect Iran's right to defend itself, but this "counting down" language is dangerous. It sounds like they're daring the US. Both countries need to remember that war is not a game—people die, economies collapse. Praying for peace. 🙏
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