Iran: 7 million citizens ready to fight US invasion, claims Qalibaf

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has made a significant assertion, stating that nearly 7 million Iranian citizens are prepared to take up arms to counter any potential ground invasion by the United States. According to Qalibaf, this massive mobilization is the result of a nationwide campaign conducted within the past week. The announcement comes at a time when military tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the US have reached a critical juncture. Officials state that these citizens have voluntarily expressed their readiness to defend the nation's sovereignty.

The conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has persisted for over a month, characterized by frequent airstrikes and retaliatory measures from both sides. Qalibaf, who has been vocal on social media since the onset of the current hostilities, used this platform to issue a direct warning to Washington. He emphasized that the Iranian people are committed to protecting their borders and are prepared for any eventuality involving foreign military intervention on their soil.

Qalibaf’s Official Statement on Social Media

The Speaker of the Parliament shared details of this mobilization on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In his post, he noted that a large-scale campaign was executed across the country in less than a week, while during this period, approximately 7 million Iranians stepped forward, declaring their readiness to defend the country against any external aggression. Qalibaf is the highest-ranking Iranian official to publicly cite such a specific and large number regarding civilian military readiness in the current context.

Scale and Nature of Civilian Mobilization

According to Iranian authorities, this campaign extends beyond the regular military and paramilitary forces, showcasing significant participation from the general public. Qalibaf indicated that if the US or its allies attempt any form of ground offensive, they would encounter not just the Iranian military but a vast civilian resistance. Reports suggest that the objective of this campaign is to demonstrate national unity and serve as a psychological deterrent against potential military escalations by foreign powers.

Escalating Tensions Between Iran and the United States

Relations between Tehran and Washington have remained severely strained, exacerbated by recent regional developments and US support for Israeli military operations, while qalibaf’s statement arrives amid global discussions regarding the future foreign policy of the incoming US administration under Donald Trump. The Iranian leadership has repeatedly asserted that they're fully prepared to respond to any aggressive acts, maintaining that their defensive capabilities and national resolve are at an all-time high.

Regional Security and Ground Invasion Concerns

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has heightened global security concerns. Qalibaf’s remarks are being interpreted as a significant warning regarding regional stability. He stressed that the defense of the nation isn't solely the responsibility of the government or the armed forces but is a collective duty of the entire Iranian population. Military observers note that claiming such a high level of civilian mobilization is consistent with Iran’s strategy of asymmetric warfare, where the populace is integrated into the national defense framework.

Diplomatic and Military Landscape

Currently, diplomatic channels between Iran and its adversaries appear increasingly limited. Qalibaf signaled in his address that Iran wouldn't compromise on its defensive posture. The claim of 7 million ready volunteers is seen as an effort to project internal strength and cohesion. According to officials, military training programs and civil defense drills have been intensified across various provinces to ensure readiness for any emergency scenarios that may arise from the current geopolitical friction.