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Iran FM Araghchi on NBC: 'We are waiting for them — ground invasion would be a disaster'
·Tehran, Iran
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tells NBC News that Iran is prepared for a potential ground invasion and confident it can confront US-Israeli forces. 'We are waiting for them,' Araghchi says, adding that a ground invasion would be 'a big disaster' for the US and Israel. The statement signals Iran's intent to continue fighting despite seven days of sustained bombardment.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gave a defiant interview to US broadcaster NBC News on Thursday, stating that Iran was fully prepared for an escalation including ground operations. 'We are waiting for them. We are confident that we can confront them and that would be a big disaster for them,' Araghchi said. The statement came as the US declared air supremacy over Iran and Israel struck Beirut's Dahiyeh district. Araghchi's remarks contrasted with earlier ceasefire-adjacent signals from Oman and Turkey, and appeared designed to signal that Iran would not collapse under sustained air bombardment. US and Israeli officials dismissed the statement as bluster, with Pentagon noting Iran's air defense has been effectively neutralized.
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Actor responses
FM Araghchi: We are waiting for them. A ground invasion would be a big disaster for the US and Israel. Iran is confident and prepared.
Pentagon dismisses Araghchi statement as bluster. Iran's air defense has been neutralized. US objectives remain on track.
Sources