Iran warns US of Vietnam-style war if it deploys troops on the ground
By Sky News, March 17, 2026Saeed Khatibzadeh, speaking in his office in Tehran, said that Iran was willing to fight as long as needed and the country was not currently focused on a diplomatic solution.
The deputy FM was not ruling out negotiations but made it clear it was for America, and its allies, to come forward with a proposal that ends the conflict once and for all.
But, when asked about the possibility of US troops on the ground, his message for Donald Trump was clear: “Just read what happened in Vietnam.”
American soldiers, he said, could face a similar fate in Iran: “They understand those that dragged them into this war can drag them also into a quagmire.”
His defiance comes after two weeks of devastating conflict that has left nearly 1,500 Iranians killed in the war with the US and Israel and millions of Iranians displaced.
It has also claimed nearly 1,000 non-Iranian lives. This includes at least 886 people killed in Lebanon, 30 in Iraq, seven in the United Arab Emirates, six in Kuwait, 12 in Israel, four in Syria, two in Oman, two in Saudi Arabia, and two in Bahrain.
Thirteen US service members have also died, as well as one French soldier.
Khatibzadeh also blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for dragging the US into the war.
“They should think twice when dealing with Iran and not take advice by those who don’t know Iran, who wanted for decades to win a war against Iran with American taxpayers and American soldiers’ blood.
“Netanyahu and the Israeli regime has its own agenda to make this war a win for them at the expense of everyone.”
Khatibzadeh also blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for dragging the US into the war.
“They should think twice when dealing with Iran and not take advice by those who don’t know Iran, who wanted for decades to win a war against Iran with American taxpayers and American soldiers’ blood.
“Netanyahu and the Israeli regime has its own agenda to make this war a win for them at the expense of everyone.”