Iran army warns of direct clash if war moves to ground

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's army spokesman said on Monday the armed forces would not allow enemy troops to approach the country's borders, warning that any expansion of the conflict onto Iranian territory would result in direct confrontation. He said the military had been on full alert for a possible ground offensive since the 12-day war, adding that the armed forces' movements would prevent attack forces from reaching the frontier. The spokesman said the army had extended deterrence beyond Iran's borders, stating that no ground force would be able to approach the frontier. He added that the enemy's limited knowledge of the region's geography would expose its weak points and increase the risk of losses. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said earlier that Washington would not deploy ground forces to Iran to pursue regime change, despite pressure from some conservative politicians. No further details on Iran's military posture or any diplomatic exchanges were immediately available.