Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has declared that Tehran will press on with the conflict until it secures what he described as a clear victory, firmly ruling out any possibility of capitulation to the United States.

Speaking after weeks of intense hostilities, Qalibaf insisted that Iran and allied groups in the region had already inflicted significant damage on Washington and its partners. He claimed that resistance networks across Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen were gaining strength rather than weakening under pressure.

Accusing the US of duplicity, Qalibaf alleged that American officials were publicly floating the idea of talks while privately preparing for expanded military action. He cautioned Iranians against interpreting diplomatic messaging as a sign of de-escalation.

His comments come amid reports that the Pentagon is examining options for limited ground incursions inside Iran. Thousands of American troops are already stationed across the Middle East, and contingency plans are said to include targeted strikes on missile batteries, air defence systems and coastal infrastructure.

Officials in Washington have described these scenarios as short-duration operations rather than a prolonged occupation. However, discussions are also believed to include more aggressive measures, such as disrupting activity at Iran’s vital oil terminal on Kharg Island or stepping up action near the Strait of Hormuz.

Qalibaf indicated that Iran is preparing for any such development. He asserted that the country’s armed forces remain ready and warned that continued missile launches would be part of the response. According to him, adversaries are already experiencing anxiety over Iran’s capabilities.

He made clear that demands for surrender would not be entertained. Any attempt to coerce Iran into submission, he said, would be met with firm resistance and consequences severe enough to deter further action.

Framing the confrontation as part of a broader struggle, Qalibaf highlighted what he described as nationwide unity, saying citizens from different walks of life were backing the war effort. He urged sustained public involvement, portraying it as essential to maintaining national resolve.

On the US side, analysts warn that even a limited ground move could expose American forces to missile fire, drone attacks and stiff resistance from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard units, particularly in strategically sensitive areas.

Although President Donald Trump has previously expressed caution about deeper military engagement, US officials have indicated that escalation remains an option if diplomatic channels collapse.

Tehran, meanwhile, has reiterated that any strike on its soil would draw an unrestricted response — fuelling concerns that the conflict could expand into a broader regional war.