Iran has warned that « seven million people » from the country are prepared to fight US troops should a ground invasion occur. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Speaker of the Parliament of Iran wrote a number of posts online challenging America since the war’s start.
In his latest post on X, he said: « Right now, in less than a week, a powerful national campaign sweeping the country has brought forward around 7 million Iranians who have already stepped up and declared they’re ready to pick up arms and stand in defense of our nation. » The shocking claim has not been confirmed by any authorities, however, state-run media outlets and mass text message campaigns have been actively encouraging citizens to volunteer, reports The Times of Israel.
In addition to these public appeals, the government has asked retired soldiers to come forward if they are willing to fight. At the same time, the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force—known for its all‑volunteer structure—has reportedly begun accepting recruits as young as 12, highlighting the extent to which authorities are trying to expand their ranks.
The claim come as the US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Age”. While delivering a speech on Wednesday, Mr Trump said that the war was nearly over but also threatened to bomb Iran “extremely hard” if it didn’t bow to his demands.
He further said that the US will not use any oil that passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Mr Trump said: « We’re in great shape for the future. The United States imports almost no oil through the Hormuz Strait and won’t be taking any of the future. We don’t need it. We haven’t needed it, and we don’t need it.”
He further added: « The countries of the world that do receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage. They must cherish it. They must grab it and cherish it.
« They can do it easily. We will be helpful, but they should take the lead in protecting the oil that they so desperately depend on. »
Meanwhile, on Thursday 18 European countries urged Israel and Hezbollah to stop fighting amid fears over Israeli plans to control part of southern Lebanon after the war.
The foreign ministers of the countries including Italy, Spain, Belgium, Poland and Ireland said in a joint statement: « Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Hezbollah’s attacks must cease. We urge Israel to fully respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and call on all parties, both Hezbollah and Israel, to halt military action. »
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