Iran Prepares for Possible U.S. Ground Attack with New Military Directive

Iran's government has issued new orders to its military and security forces to prepare for a potential U.S. ground invasion. The directive allows Iranian units to act independently without waiting for central command approval if attacked.

Iran’s leadership has distributed new military orders preparing for a possible United States ground invasion, according to exclusive information obtained by The Media Line.

A well-informed source revealed that Iranian authorities have issued fresh instructions to military and security forces across the country, particularly focusing on southern and northwestern regions. The orders aim to counter potential American ground operations and disruptive activities in Tehran and other major cities.

The instructions come from Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces, working under direction from the Commander-in-Chief and key defense councils. Military and security units nationwide have received these orders to maintain readiness, protect sensitive locations, and prepare for possible “intervention of hostile field elements across different regions.”

Most significantly, the directive gives these units permission to act on their own initiative without waiting for orders from higher command – what Iranian officials call “fire at will” authority. This approach resembles “Operation Valkyrie” from Nazi Germany and suggests Iran expects major conflict escalation, including possible U.S. ground forces entering Iranian territory or seizing strategic islands.

The orders also indicate Iranian leaders are preparing for scenarios where central command structures or communication networks could be severely damaged, requiring individual units to operate independently.

Iranian military commanders view armed groups in Tehran, other major cities, and Iranian Kurdistan as serious threats. Additionally, tribal populations in western and southwestern Iran often possess firearms, primarily hunting weapons, while armed Baloch groups remain active in eastern regions.

Concerns have grown due to propaganda from the Mojahedin-e Khalq organization regarding their “Liberation Army” and “Rebel Units,” along with rumors about an “Immortal Guard” connected to monarchist supporters recently mentioned by Reza Pahlavi before Chaharshanbe Suri celebrations.

Recent American military movements, including Marine and airborne unit deployments to the region, plus repeated statements by Donald Trump and other U.S. officials about possible ground operations, have increased fears within Iran’s leadership. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has publicly warned the United States against any ground attack on Iranian islands, despite having no formal military authority.

Farzin Nadimi, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute who analyzes Iranian military affairs, told The Media Line that temporary U.S. control of certain islands or coastal positions overlooking the Strait of Hormuz seems realistic.

“What appears more likely in the near term is not a full-scale ground invasion, but rather limited, selective, and complementary ground operations—such as special forces missions and efforts to temporarily control certain islands or strategic coastal positions overlooking the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

“Such a scenario differs fundamentally from an all-out ground war, yet remains costly and high-risk. Entering mainland Iran for occupation or deep advances would require a large force, substantial logistical support, and sustained political will—factors that could quickly turn the conflict into a prolonged and attritional war,” he added.

Despite such developments potentially weakening Iran’s position, Nadimi explained that the war’s ultimate outcome would still depend on continued air campaigns and their ability to decisively destabilize the Islamic Republic.

The Media Line previously published audio recordings attributed to a Basij commander in Tehran, where he explicitly instructed forces to “clear the area” during drone attacks, retreat to surrounding alleys, and position themselves “so that if any hostile armed force activated, they can engage.”

Iranian armed forces believe the conflict’s next phase could involve ground warfare and urban combat. On Thursday, the state-affiliated Tehran Times, citing “an Iranian security analyst,” reported that Iran would seize UAE and Bahrain coastlines if the U.S. launched a ground attack.

With reports suggesting U.S. military preparation for a “final strike,” Iranian authorities apparently consider scenarios including military invasion, seizure of Kharg Island or other strategic islands, and even parts of southern Iran near the Strait of Hormuz as entirely possible.

The new directive suggests that with Mojtaba Khamenei—the nominal leader who has largely disappeared from public view—absent, Iran’s leadership is preparing for war escalation and direct ground combat possibilities.