Iran Warns of Striking Own Territory if Invaded by US Troops, Regional Conflict Fears Rise

An Iranian military spokesman warned on July 21 that Iran would attack its own territory if occupied by US forces, as threats of reciprocal ground military operations escalate fears of a wider war across the entire Persian Gulf region. General Mohammad Akraminiya, the spokesman, stated on Iranian state television that if the United States occupies our territory, we will attack it, even within our own borders. This is the reality of war. The statement came as the US Central Command announced it had entered the 10th day of new attacks against Iran. US President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision in the coming days regarding the prospect of a US ground operation or the occupation of Iranian territory, a matter that is currently being openly debated and discussed. The Washington Post, citing US officials, reported that the Pentagon is preparing for a ground operation in Iran that would be a full-scale invasion, potentially mobilizing thousands of troops and taking weeks or even months. The White House emphasized that the Pentagon would present the President with options, clarifying that this does not mean the President will make an immediate decision. Former Iranian Foreign Minister and current Member of Parliament Manouchehr Mottaki believes Iran must go further than just attacking US military bases in the region and plans to capture American soldiers. He stated, "The threats from America are increasing, and Washington has said it will seize Kharg Island and control Iran's oil facilities. I have long advocated for a ground war. We must attack one of the US military bases in the region, capture American soldiers, and bring them to our country." Another Iranian MP, Ahmad Bakhshayesh-Ardestani, a former member of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, suggested that Tehran could launch ground attacks against Kuwait and Bahrain if the US invades Iranian territory. Regarding the potential US invasion of Kharg Island, the MP believes Washington could occupy the island for only one day but would not be able to maintain control. Iranian missiles launched from regions like Semnan, Zahedan, and Esfahan can reach the island, making its occupation a "prey" for Iran. There are also rumors surrounding the possibility of an Iranian military operation against Kuwait, particularly Boubyan Island. This island, spanning 863 square kilometers, is Kuwait's largest and is located at the northern tip of the Persian Gulf, near Iraq. Iranian officials and some segments of public opinion have discussed scenarios of Iranian retaliation if the US attacks Kharg Island. They believe that in such a case, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could mobilize its special forces, the SABERIN, along with regional proxy groups, to conduct a ground attack through southern Iraq into Kuwait, should the US launch a ground offensive against Iran. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer