Iran says it is ready for offensive if the US attacks on land; Middle Eastern countries meet to discuss ending the conflict

Iranian missiles displayed in a park in Tehran, Iran, amid the war against the US and Israel against Iran, on March 26, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/Wana via REUTERS Iran said on Sunday (29) it was ready to react to a possible ground attack by the United States and accused Washington of preparing a ground offensive while, at the same time, talking about negotiations. The declaration comes amid diplomatic efforts by countries in the region, which are meeting in Pakistan to try to end the conflict. 🗒️ Do you have any reporting suggestions? Send to g1 The president of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, said that the US is sending signs of dialogue, but that, behind the scenes, it is planning to send troops. According to him, Iran is prepared to react if this happens. “As long as the Americans demand Iran’s surrender, our response is that we will never accept humiliation,” he said. “Our attacks continue. Our missiles are positioned. Our determination and faith have increased,” he added. The war began on February 28, with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, and quickly spread across the Middle East. On Saturday (28), Yemen’s Houthis, allies of Tehran, carried out their first attacks against Israel since the start of the conflict. These attacks increase the risk to global maritime transport, already affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a route through which around a fifth of the oil and natural gas consumed in the world passes. Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt met this Sunday (29), in Islamabad, to discuss ways to end the war, which has lasted a month and left thousands dead. Early discussions focused on proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, responsible for about a fifth of global oil and natural gas transport. Among the proposals discussed are the creation of a tariff system inspired by the Suez Canal model and the formation of an international consortium to manage the flow of oil through the route. 1 month of war in Iran: remember the times Trump ‘claimed victory’ US military movements The United States sent thousands of marines to the Middle East. The first of two contingents arrived on Friday (27) aboard an amphibious assault ship, according to the US Army. ➡️An amphibious assault ship is a type of military ship designed to take troops, vehicles and aircraft to shore and launch an invasion from the sea. The Washington Post newspaper reported that the Pentagon is preparing for ground operations in Iran, which could include actions by special forces and conventional troops. There is still no confirmation that President Donald Trump will authorize this plan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States can achieve its goals without troops on the ground, but said sending forces expands the government’s options. Conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran completes a month Negotiation attempts Pakistan is trying to act as a mediator between Washington and Tehran and will host negotiations this Sunday. On Saturday, the Pakistani Prime Minister held talks with the Iranian President. The Pakistani foreign minister also held meetings with representatives from Türkiye and Egypt ahead of the broader talks. In addition, there are ongoing military contacts. Pakistan’s Army chief is in dialogue with US Vice President JD Vance, according to sources. Pakistan has been consolidating itself as an important diplomatic channel in the conflict, as it maintains close relations with both Tehran and Washington. Turkey is also working, together with other countries, on a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — a measure considered essential to reduce tensions. The United States recently presented a 15-point ceasefire plan that included reopening the strait and limits on Iran’s nuclear program. Iran rejected the proposal and presented its own conditions. Attacks continue While negotiations are progressing slowly, fighting remains intense. Israel said it struck facilities linked to weapons production in Tehran, including warehouses and manufacturing centers. In southern Iran, five people died after an attack on a pier in the city of Bandar-e-Khamir, according to state media. In Lebanon, Israel also carried out attacks against targets linked to Hezbollah and killed three journalists, as well as a Lebanese soldier. In Tehran, a building housing a Qatari TV station was also hit. Risks to navigation and the economy Iran continues attacks against Israel and Gulf countries. In Iraq, air defenses intercepted drones near local authorities. With the Strait of Hormuz closed, concern is growing about other maritime routes, such as the Red Sea, following the Houthis’ entry into the conflict. Experts warn that an escalation in these attacks could put further pressure on the global economy. President Donald Trump threatened to target Iranian energy facilities if the country does not reopen the strait, but gave an additional 10 days.

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