New Delhi: Amid reports that US President Donald Trump is considering to send 10,000 ground troops near Iran, the Islamic nation is galvanising over a million ground fighters to prepare itself for a possible ground war with the US. Young volunteers are reportedly lining up at the recruitment centres across Iran for this effort.
These fighters have been organised and all set for the battle, Tehran’s Tasnim news agency, citing a military source, reported. This comes amid a of citizens gathering at recruitment centres operated by the Basij, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Army. This follows a spike in the number of citizens lining up at centres run by the Basij, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and the Army, the agency said.
‘Historical hell’
It added that Iranian ground forces are bent on creating a “historical hell” for Americans on Iranian soil and they are enthusiastic about giving a benefitting reply to the Americans.
These developments come as American military movements in the region. Forces from the elite 82nd Airborne Division are set to land in the Middle East within days, joining thousands of Marines already deployed in the area.
Even though Trump has claimed that negotiations with Iran are moving in the positive direction, Tehran has publicly dismissed any diplomatic meetings with Washington. It has also issued a stern warning that Iran will strongly retaliate if US troops land on their territory.
Civil defense and search and rescue teams continue operations in the area after US and Israeli strikes targeted the Enderzgu district of the Iranian capital Tehran on March 23, 2026. (Photo by Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)
‘Pause on attacks’
Trump pointed out that he was extending a pause on attacks against Iran’s energy facilities into April. He claimed that he was doing this at Tehran’s “request”. However, a report by The Wall Street Journal later said Iran had not sought any such pause.
In a post on Truth Social, the US President wrote: “As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
What Iran has said
Earlier on Thursday, as per the Tasnim news agency, Iran had suggested it was still waiting for a response after turning down a US 15-point plan to end the war and offered its own conditions. The demands include guarantees that the US and Israel will not resume their attacks, payment of reparations for war-related damages, and recognition of Iran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has also called for an end to the conflict on all front — likely referring to Israel’s parallel war with the Tehran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon.