Amid the stalemate in negotiations between Washington and Tehran, the commander of the Iranian army’s ground forces, Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi, issued a stern warning to the US. He declared that any foreign ground intervention would be met with swift and decisive action. “If any US military personnel set foot in Iran, we will cut them off,” he said.

The commander said that Tehran was ready to counter threats. “We will respond to any enemy action with a firm and deterrent response… Iranian army ground forces remain at full combat readiness, continuously monitoring movements and threats while firmly guarding the country’s borders,” he said.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday indicated that he is willing to let economic pressure squeeze Iran rather than launch a fresh round of military strikes.

In an interview with Axios, Trump made no new threats of military action, even though Iran continues to resist US pressure. During a brief phone call, Trump described the current approach in blunt terms. “We are low keying it,” he said, adding that Washington is only “semi-negotiating” with Tehran while keeping an eye on the country’s runaway inflation and empty coffers.

Comparing the standoff to a long game of strategy, Trump said, “It will work out. It always works out. It’s like a chess game.”

Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi said there are no direct talks with the US, only messages via intermediaries, and that negotiations won’t resume until US violations of the interim deal stop. He said Hormuz talks with Oman are in final stages, though the strait’s full reopening remains conditional.

Earlier, Iran put forth a sweeping list of demands that says the United States must meet before the Hormuz can reopen to maritime traffic, casting further doubt over the future of the vital shipping route and the conflict in West Asia.