Ali Akbar Ahmadian, the representative of Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei in the Supreme National Defence Council, stated on Tuesday that Iran has been preparing for war for many years, delivering what he described as a single message to American soldiers: “Come closer.”
Ahmadian emphasised that Iran’s military preparedness is the result of long term planning and continuous training, reiterating that the country has built its readiness over years in anticipation of confrontation.
Statement Amid US Military Preparations
These remarks come in response to American reports indicating that the US Department of Defense is preparing to deploy approximately 3,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, in the context of escalating tensions described as a “war with Iran.”
Earlier the same day, The New York Times reported that Pentagon officials are studying the possibility of deploying an airborne unit of similar size, with potential use in operations targeting Kharg Island in the Arabian Gulf.
Strategic Importance of Kharg Island
Kharg Island is located around 30 kilometres off the Iranian coast in the Gulf and represents one of the most critical hubs for Iran’s oil exports, making it a highly sensitive and strategic target in any potential escalation.
Ongoing Escalation
Since last month, the Israeli occupation, alongside the United States, has been carrying out an aggression against Iran, resulting in hundreds of casualties. Among those reported killed are Khamenei and prominent security officials.
In response, Tehran has launched missiles and drones toward Israel, signalling a continued cycle of escalation between the parties involved.
