Iran's military leadership has been ordered to step up monitoring and defensive preparations in the face of potential hostilities, state media reported. The army commander-in-chief, Amir Hatami, told operational headquarters they must follow "enemy movements with utmost pessimism and accuracy" and remain ready to counter any method of attack, according to the account carried by state outlets.
Hatami's remarks were delivered as U.S. President Donald Trump said the conflict involving Iran is "nearing completion" and suggested it could end within weeks. At the same time, a separate increase in U.S. troop levels in the Gulf has prompted concern that such a buildup may indicate preparations for potential ground operations.
State media also quoted Hatami as saying:
"No enemy troops should survive if adversaries attempt a ground operation."
Video material released by state media showed Hatami seated with three other senior army commanders and participating in a video conference with approximately a dozen additional officers. The footage was presented without sound. It could not be immediately verified when the footage was recorded.
The public statements emphasize a posture of high alert and an insistence on precise, pessimistic assessment of possible hostile actions. The juxtaposition of the Iranian commander's orders with the U.S. president's comments about a possible near-term resolution of the conflict highlights a contrast between Iranian preparations and remarks from Washington. The reported rise in U.S. troop presence in the Gulf is noted as a factor contributing to concern about whether preparations for further operations, including ground missions, are underway.
State media coverage focused on operational readiness and a clear directive to repel any attempted ground incursion. The imagery shared with the public - silent footage of senior commanders consulting in person and remotely - served to underline the message that Iran's military leadership is emphasizing vigilance and defensive preparedness.
Summary of facts presented
- Hatami instructed operational headquarters to monitor enemy movements with "utmost pessimism and accuracy."
- He said forces must be ready to counter any method of attack and warned that "no enemy troops should survive" a ground operation attempt.
- U.S. President Donald Trump said the conflict is "nearing completion" and could end within weeks.
- A parallel buildup of additional U.S. troops in the Gulf has raised concerns about potential preparations for ground operations.
- State media released soundless footage of Hatami with three other commanders and on a video call with about a dozen others; the timing of the footage could not be immediately verified.