ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Iran’s parliament speaker has issued a strong warning to the United States against launching a ground invasion, as regional leaders convene in Pakistan to seek a diplomatic end to the escalating Middle East conflict.
According to Iranian state media, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that Iranian forces are prepared to intensify attacks on US troops and their regional allies if American ground forces are deployed.
“Our firing continues. Our missiles are in place. Our determination and faith have increased,” Qalibaf said, adding that Iran would not accept what he described as demands for surrender. He also dismissed a reported 15-point proposal relayed through Pakistan, calling it reflective of US objectives that could not be achieved through military force. “As long as the Americans seek Iran’s surrender, our response is clear: Far be it from us to accept humiliation,” he added.
The warning comes as foreign ministers from key regional powers gather in Islamabad for talks aimed at easing tensions. Officials said the meeting will assess ongoing indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran and explore diplomatic pathways to end the conflict.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar hosted counterparts including Badr Abdelatty of Egypt, Hakan Fidan of Turkey, and Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia ahead of the discussions.
The conflict has intensified in recent days, with approximately 3,500 US sailors and Marines arriving in the region. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have also entered the fighting, raising concerns over broader regional escalation.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for missile launches toward Israel from Yemen, marking the first such attack from that front in the current conflict. Israel said it intercepted at least one missile, while sirens were reported in areas including Beer Sheba in southern Israel.
The involvement of the Houthis has heightened fears of disruptions to global shipping routes, particularly in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key passage linking the Red Sea to international trade routes. Around 12 percent of global trade typically passes through the corridor.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to rattle global markets. Iran’s control over the strategic waterway has contributed to volatility in oil and gas supplies, as well as broader economic uncertainty.
Military exchanges between Iran, the United States, and Israel persist. Iranian officials reported strikes on nuclear facilities and major steel plants, though authorities said there were no casualties or contamination risks.
In Saudi Arabia, an Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base injured at least ten US troops, including two in serious condition. The attack reportedly involved six ballistic missiles and 29 drones, also damaging aircraft at the installation.
Elsewhere, an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed three journalists covering the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, according to their respective media organizations.
Despite the ongoing violence, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism that the conflict could be resolved within weeks following discussions with Group of Seven foreign ministers in France.
“We are very confident we are on the verge of achieving them very soon,” Rubio said, adding that US objectives could be met without deploying ground troops.
US President Donald Trump said negotiations to end the war were progressing, although Iran has publicly denied engaging in direct talks with Washington. Trump also renewed calls for international support, criticizing NATO and European allies for what he described as a lack of assistance.
Since the conflict began, more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, according to official figures. Casualties have also been reported in Lebanon, Israel, and among US service members.
The International Organization for Migration said that around 82,000 civilian buildings in Iran, including hospitals and homes, have been damaged, affecting approximately 180,000 people.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation remains volatile, with regional and global implications tied to energy supplies, trade routes, and broader geopolitical stability.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
