The United States and Iran continue to exchange sharp blows, not only on the battlefield but also in a growing war of optics, as both sides intensify their messaging amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia.
On Sunday, March 29, Iran's military released a new video in which its spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari, issued a stern warning to the US. Speaking on behalf of the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, he said that any American ground invasion would have severe consequences, warning that US troops would become "food for the sharks of the Persian Gulf" if they set foot on Iranian soil.
His remarks come amid reports that the US is considering deploying around 10,000 troops to the Middle East, potentially as part of preparations for a ground offensive against Iran.
'Trump a PAWN of Israeli PM, under pressure from Mossad due to his background in EPSTEIN case' — Iran Armed Forces Spox
— RT (@RT_com) March 29, 2026
If Trump attempts ground op, 'US soldiers will become good food for SHARKS of Persian Gulf' pic.twitter.com/dmA22R5Ali
Zolfaghari also took aim at US President Donald Trump, describing him as a pawn of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and accusing him of leading American forces into a "deadly quagmire." He dismissed any notion of US forces capturing Iranian territory as unrealistic, asserting that Iran's military is prepared and waiting to respond decisively to any aggression. According to him, such an invasion would result in "humiliating defeat" for the attackers.
Echoing the hardline stance, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Iranian forces are ready to confront US troops on the ground and warned of severe retaliation. He also dismissed diplomatic talks as a façade, particularly in light of reports about the deployment of around 2,500 US Marines trained in amphibious operations to the region.
Adding to the rhetoric, Iran's English-language daily Tehran Times carried a front-page warning showing American troops boarding a carrier with the caption: "Welcome to Hell. US troops who step foot on Iranian soil will leave only in a coffin."
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the conflict may not drag on for months and could instead conclude within weeks. However, he maintained that all options remain open for President Trump, defending the potential deployment of additional troops to the Middle East.
