Iran says ready for US ground operations as MoU expires

Iran's political leadership has indicated they may adopt a more aggressive stance against the United States as a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Washington is set to expire. Brigadier General Yadollah Javani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) political bureau, stated on Sunday night that Iran's forces are prepared to take any necessary action to protect the nation.

Despite a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US in June, tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz have escalated, and the MoU effectively ended after fighting resumed last month.

Javani emphasized that while the initial Iranian response has been defensive, it could evolve into an offensive approach. He hinted at potential "strategic surprises" but did not provide specific details. Earlier this week, the IRGC spokesman, Hossein Mohebbi, had warned that US and regional allies' infrastructure, including energy networks, power plants, and internet-connected systems, could become targets if the US strikes Iran's civilian infrastructure.

Hardline Iranian politicians and media have also discussed the possibility of a ground invasion of US interests in Bahrain and Kuwait in response to a potential US invasion of Iran. The hardening of Iran's stance against the US follows Supreme Leader Mohammad Javad Khamenei's recent consolidation of power by appointing several IRGC veterans and confidants to key military and security roles.

Khamenei highlighted Major General Ahmad Vahidi's elevation to commander-in-chief of the IRGC as reflecting a combination of "maximum deterrence" and readiness for "powerful offensive operations against the enemy."