Iran's Deputy FM Warns US of 'Another Vietnam' Over Ground Troop Deployment
In an exclusive interview with Sky News' international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn, Iran's deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has issued a stark warning to the United States, stating that deploying boots on the ground in the ongoing conflict would be reckless and could lead to another Vietnam-like situation. The interview, conducted in Tehran, highlights Iran's defiant stance amid escalating tensions.
Defiant Stance on Diplomacy and Conflict
Saeed Khatibzadeh emphasized that Iran is prepared to fight for as long as necessary, with the country currently not prioritizing a diplomatic solution. While not completely ruling out negotiations, he made it clear that the onus is on America and its allies to propose a resolution that ends the conflict permanently. His message to former US President Donald Trump was pointed: "Just read what happened in Vietnam." He elaborated that American soldiers could face a similar fate in Iran, warning that those who dragged the US into this war might also lead them into a quagmire.
Human Cost and Regional Impact
The conflict has resulted in devastating human losses over the past two weeks. Nearly 1,500 Iranians have been killed, and millions have been displaced. Additionally, the war has claimed nearly 1,000 non-Iranian lives, including:
- 850 people in Lebanon
- 30 in Iraq
- 13 in the United Arab Emirates
- 6 in Kuwait
- 12 in Israel
- 4 in Syria
- 2 in Oman
- 2 in Saudi Arabia
- 2 in Bahrain
Thirteen US service members and one French soldier have also died, underscoring the international ramifications of the hostilities.
Blame on Israeli Leadership
Khatibzadeh placed blame on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for involving the US in the war. He urged American policymakers to think twice when dealing with Iran and not to take advice from those who lack understanding of the region. "Netanyahu and the Israeli regime has its own agenda to make this war a win for them at the expense of everyone," he stated, accusing Israel of pursuing its interests at the cost of broader stability.
Health of Iran's Supreme Leader
Addressing concerns about Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Khatibzadeh insisted that Khamenei is "healthy and in charge" despite not having made a public appearance yet. This assertion aims to dispel rumors and reinforce the leadership's stability during the crisis.
The interview, one of the few granted to foreign media in Iran, provides critical insights into Tehran's perspective as the conflict continues to unfold, with implications for global diplomacy and security.
