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'Not one should survive,' Iran braces for ground war with chilling order

Crowds gather in Enghelab Square in Tehran, the capital of Iran, to mark Islamic Republic Day and show support for the government, waving Iranian flags and chanting slogans, March 31, 2026. (AA Photo)
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Crowds gather in Enghelab Square in Tehran, the capital of Iran, to mark Islamic Republic Day and show support for the government, waving Iranian flags and chanting slogans, March 31, 2026. (AA Photo)
April 02, 2026 12:51 PM GMT+03:00

Iran's Army Commander-in-Chief Major General Amir Hatami ordered operational headquarters on Thursday to monitor "enemy movements with utmost pessimism and accuracy."

He warned that "not a single person should survive" if the United States attempts a ground operation, as data compiled by Türkiye's state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) showed Iran has launched at least 5,735 missiles and drone strikes across seven Arab countries in 33 days of war.

"It is necessary to monitor the movements and actions of the enemies moment by moment with utmost accuracy and implement plans to counter the enemy's methods of attack at the appropriate time," Hatami said, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency.

"If the enemy attempts to carry out ground operations, not a single person should survive," he said.

State media shared footage showing Hatami in a meeting room with three other army commanders and on a video call with about a dozen others.

Hatami vows to 'lift the shadow of war' from Iran

Hatami said Iran's military was working to lift the shadow of war from the country and that security must be ensured for all. He said Iran would not allow a situation "where some places are safe while our people are not secure."

His remarks came as Trump has signaled that the conflict is "nearing completion" and could end in two to three weeks. But the parallel buildup of U.S. forces in the region has raised concerns in Tehran that ground operations may be under preparation.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an Al Jazeera interview on Wednesday that Iran was "even more expert and better equipped in ground warfare" and warned potential invaders: "We are waiting for them... they will incur heavy losses."

A view of a gigantic poster in Tehran, Iran, as daily life continues despite the ongoing conflict, on April 1, 2026. (AA Photo)
A view of a gigantic poster in Tehran, Iran, as daily life continues despite the ongoing conflict, on April 1, 2026. (AA Photo)

Iran has launched at least 5,735 strikes across 7 Arab countries in 33 days

Data compiled by AA from the defense ministries and information centers of targeted countries revealed the scale of Iran's retaliatory campaign since Feb. 28:

The UAE was the hardest hit, with its defense ministry reporting it had intercepted 438 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles and 2,012 drones.

  • Kuwait intercepted 312 ballistic missiles, five cruise missiles and 651 drones.
  • Saudi Arabia recorded at least 65 missiles and 1,029 drone attacks.
  • Bahrain's defense forces neutralized 186 missiles and 419 drones.
  • Qatar reported 209 ballistic missiles and 96 drone strikes.
  • Jordan recorded 275 missile and drone attacks.
  • Oman reported 19 drone attacks.

The data showed approximately 15% of Iran's strikes were directed at Israel.

The U.S. and Israel launched their joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous senior officials.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.

April 02, 2026 01:25 PM GMT+03:00
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