Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran, said in an interview with NBC News that Tehran is not intimidated by speculation that the United States could deploy ground forces into Iranian territory, declaring that Iran is “waiting for them.”

Araghchi stated that both the Iranian military and the Iranian people are fully prepared to confront a ground invasion, warning that if U.S. forces cross into Iran, the conflict would turn into a “big disaster” for the American military and could become one of the most costly battles the United States has faced.

He also rejected reports that Tehran is seeking a ceasefire, saying Iran has closed the door to negotiations with Washington, arguing that previous talks collapsed because the United States showed “no sincerity” and repeatedly violated agreements.