Iran warns US invaders are heading into ‘swamp of death’

American troops, including Marines, have deployed to the region as tensions escalate between the United States and Iran. The Pentagon is reportedly finalizing strategies for a land-based operation, as revealed by the Washington Post. However, officials have clarified that this action would not constitute a full-scale invasion, but rather targeted raids involving specialized forces and standard military units.

Iran’s military speaker accuses Trump of leading troops into peril

In a statement released on Sunday, Iran’s military spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, criticized the U.S. leadership, claiming President Donald Trump had directed troops into a “swamp of death.” The remark was made in response to the Pentagon’s plans, which have drawn international attention. Zolfaqari emphasized that the U.S. commander’s decisions had placed the armed forces in a vulnerable position.

‘Unfortunately, the leaders of the United States have delegated the authority to command the armed forces to someone who, due to imbalance, dangerous and wrong positions and decisions, has led the US army into the swamp of death.’

Meanwhile, reports indicate power outages occurred in Tehran on Sunday, with Iran’s deputy energy minister, Mostafa Rajabi Mashhadi, stating that shrapnel had damaged a power tower in the capital. This incident adds to the growing concerns about the potential conflict’s impact on critical infrastructure.

Although Trump has not yet officially endorsed the operation, he has previously dismissed a ground invasion as a “waste of time.” During a recent press briefing in the Oval Office, he stated: ‘I’m not putting troops anywhere. If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you, but I’m not putting troops.’

Operations are being supported by the warship USS Tripoli, which serves as a command center for the deployed forces, accompanied by assault and logistical assets. Iran’s military has also reiterated its readiness to confront any U.S. presence, with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a top Iranian official, declaring: ‘Our firing continues. Our missiles are in place. Our determination and faith have increased.’

Escalation of threats against US and Israeli targets

Iran has extended its warnings to include potential strikes on American and Israeli academic institutions in the Middle East. The regime has given Washington a 12-hour deadline to publicly condemn attacks on the University of Science and Technology in Tehran, framing such actions as retaliation for targeted strikes on Iranian universities.

Strategists speculate that the U.S. may seize control of Kharg Island, a strategic location in the Persian Gulf responsible for approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports. The island, roughly one-third the size of Manhattan, is described by U.S. officials as a central hub for the nation’s petroleum supply chain.

A congressional ally of Trump, Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wisconsin), has publicly opposed the use of ground troops, stating he has been ‘100 percent crystal clear from the beginning’ about his stance. The White House has noted that while the Pentagon is preparing for potential scenarios, the final decision remains pending.

Despite the ongoing preparations, public sentiment remains divided. A poll conducted by the Associated Press and the University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center found that 62% of respondents strongly oppose deploying ground forces into Iran.

As the situation develops, both nations continue to assert their positions, with Iran emphasizing its readiness to defend its interests and the U.S. maintaining its strategic objectives in the region.