US troops setting foot on Iranian soil will return in coffins: Iran

Iran’s English-language daily Tehran Times issued a stark warning to the United States amid reports of a possible ground operation, declaring that any American soldier setting foot on Iranian soil would return “in a coffin.”

The front-page report carried the headline: “Welcome to Hell.”

The warning follows US media reports last Friday that Washington is considering deploying an additional 10,000 troops to the Middle East.

Analysts say Tehran’s message signals preparation for a potential US ground incursion.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the additional forces aim to strengthen US military options in the region following the February 28 attacks involving Iran and Israel. Deployed troops could be positioned near Iran’s mainland and the strategically significant oil export terminal at Kharg Island.

A Tehran official added that, in the event of a US ground operation, Iran could activate its Yemeni allies, the Houthi rebels, potentially disrupting maritime traffic in the Red Sea and opening a new front in the conflict.

However, US President Donald Trump has not expressed a desire to engage in a ground war and described ongoing talks to stabilise the situation as “positive.”

Tensions remain high in the region as Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on key targets in Tehran on Friday and also hit Hezbollah facilities in southern Beirut the same day.

In response, Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon engaged Israeli forces in direct clashes.