Iran's deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has issued a stark warning to the United States: deploying ground troops would risk another Vietnam-style quagmire. Speaking from Tehran, Khatibzadeh emphasized Iran’s readiness for prolonged conflict and dismissed diplomatic overtures unless the U.S. and its allies initiate a credible exit plan.
He cited the fate of American soldiers in Vietnam as a cautionary tale, stating that those who drag the U.S. into war could also lead it into disaster. The conflict, now entering its third week, has killed nearly 1,500 Iranians and displaced millions, with additional deaths across Lebanon, Iraq, the UAE, and other nations.
Thirteen U.S. service members and one French soldier have died. Khatibzadeh blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for pushing the U.S. into war, accusing him of advancing a personal agenda at the expense of regional stability.
Khatibzadeh also affirmed that Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains healthy and in command despite his absence from public view.
