As Washington reportedly weighs a potential ground incursion, Iran has begun mobilizing its military forces to deter any possible attack.
A surge of volunteers is being reported across the country, with thousands of Iranians stepping up to join a potential battle.
Rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, coupled with an escalating military and political standoff across the Middle East, have prompted Iran to initiate a massive mobilization effort. The move was reported by Iran’s state-run Mehr agency.
“More than a million Iranian fighters have been mobilized for a possible ground confrontation with American forces,” Mehr wrote, citing a source familiar with the matter.
Another Iranian news outlet, Tasnim, reports what it calls a new “wave of enthusiasm” among Iran’s forces, who vow to create “historic hell” for American troops should the US proceed with a ground offensive.
Media outlets highlight what officials describe as a spike in volunteer registrations at centers run by the Basij militia, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Iranian army.
“The United States wants to open the Strait of Hormuz through suicide and self-destruction tactics; let them. We are ready both for the realization of their suicide strategy and for the strait to remain closed,” a military source told Iranian media.
News of the mobilization comes on the heels of threats by US President Donald Trump to seize Iran’s Khark Island, a critical energy hub that helps control a vital maritime chokepoint, as reported by the Daily Mail.
State television in Iran reported March 25 that Tehran had rejected a truce proposal, instead demanding the closure of all US bases in the Persian Gulf, reparations, and an end to Israeli strikes against Hezbollah positions in Iran.
The report adds that Iran aims to take full control of the Strait of Hormuz, similar to Egypt’s Suez Canal scenario, and plans to impose transit fees on vessels passing through these strategic waters.
Amid the mounting threat of confrontation, on March 26 the US State Department issued a warning for Americans in the United Arab Emirates, urging them to stock up on food, water, and medications and to identify shelter locations in case of emergency.
(UAWire)
