Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of Iran’s parliament National Security Committee, has warned that Iran could launch ground attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain if the United States carries out a ground invasion of Iran.
Speaking to The Times of Israel on July 16, 2026, Ardestani said Iran would consider expanding its military response if US troops were deployed on Iranian soil. “We may also launch ground attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain if the United States puts boots on the ground in Iran,” he said.
Ardestani also addressed potential US action against Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export terminal. He argued that although American forces might be able to seize the island temporarily, they would be unable to maintain control because it lies within the range of Iran’s missile systems.
He further claimed that any US troops stationed on the island would face sustained Iranian attacks, describing them as “cannon fodder” in the event of a ground conflict.
His remarks underscore Iran’s warning that it would respond militarily to any US ground invasion, raising concerns about the risk of a wider regional conflict involving Gulf states.
