Iran has issued a fresh warning to the United States, with the commander of the Iranian Army’s ground forces saying any attempt by American troops to enter Iranian territory would face a strong military
response. Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi stated on Sunday that Iranian forces were prepared to respond to any foreign ground intervention. “If any US military personnel set foot in Iran, we will cut them off,” he said, according to Iranian state media.
Jahanshahi also said Iran’s ground forces remained on full alert along the country’s borders and were closely monitoring possible threats.
“We will respond to any enemy action with a firm and deterrent response,” he said, adding that Iranian forces were maintaining combat readiness and continuing to guard the country’s frontiers.
Iran-US Talks Remain Indirect
While Tehran has issued strong military warnings, diplomatic communication between Iran and the US is continuing through intermediaries.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that Tehran was not currently holding direct negotiations with Washington.
“We are not currently negotiating with the United States; the exchange of messages takes place through intermediaries,” Araghchi said, according to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB.
He said several countries were trying to create conditions for a fresh round of talks. However, Tehran would not resume direct negotiations until Washington addressed what Iran described as violations of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
“Some intermediary countries are still trying to re-establish the ground for negotiations,” Araghchi said, adding that Iran expected the US to address the alleged violations and provide compensation.
Iran, Oman Near Deal On Strait Of Hormuz
Araghchi also said discussions with Oman over the management of the Strait of Hormuz were close to completion.
The talks are focused on establishing a legal framework and deciding how commercial vessels would move through the strategic waterway.
“Negotiations with Oman regarding the legal mechanism and management of the Strait of Hormuz regarding determining the route of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz are underway, and we are very close to an agreement,” Araghchi said.
However, he made it clear that reaching an agreement with Oman would not automatically mean the Strait would reopen. Iran has linked its reopening to other conditions, including compensation from the US.
Iran Rejects Existing Traffic Route
Araghchi said Iran was also seeking changes to the traffic separation scheme (TSS) previously used by ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the foreign minister, the earlier arrangement was no longer acceptable to Tehran. A new route would therefore have to be worked out, involving both technical and legal discussions.
US Sees Progress In Oman-Iran Talks
Washington has also indicated that discussions over the Strait of Hormuz may be moving forward.
A US official told Reuters on Friday, on condition of anonymity, that progress had been made in talks between Oman and Iran. The official said an agreement could pave the way for commercial shipping through the Strait and help restore oil exports disrupted by the conflict.
“There is progress between Oman and Iran on the strait, and we expect a deal soon,” the official said.
The official added that once commercial shipping could resume without restrictions, the US would lift its blockade of Iranian ports.
The developments come as Iran continues to combine military warnings against US intervention with indirect diplomatic efforts focused on the conflict and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.
