Iran has issued a defiant two-word challenge to U.S. forces following the Pentagon’s pledge to deploy 3,000 troops to the Middle East.

Senior military figure Admiral Ahmadian acting as a spokesperson for Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei disclosed that Iran has spent “over two decades” preparing for asymmetric warfare against the technologically superior US military. Admiral Ahmadian, representing the Supreme Leader on Iran’s Defence Council, declared Iran had “just one message for the American soldiers: Come closer.”

This development comes as the Pentagon is expected to confirm the deployment of a 3,000-strong brigade combat team to support US and Israeli operations against Iran.

The US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division functions as a rapid-deployment force capable of mobilising within 18 hours, with a full brigade ready within 72 hours. Details concerning the timing of deployment and the precise objectives of the mission remain uncertain.

Ahmadian stated: “For years, we’ve been awaiting the Americans’ entry into the designated points, and for over two decades, we’ve been training with the asymmetric warfare strategy for this very moment.”

The ominous message indicates Tehran’s readiness to confront U.S. military personnel should Donald Trump choose to deploy ground forces in Iran.

On March 13, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth approved a request from U.S. Central Command to deploy an amphibious ready group element alongside an attached Marine expeditionary unit—typically consisting of multiple warships and approximately 5,000 Marines and sailors—according to three U.S. officials.

NBC reported that roughly 2,500 additional Marines and 2,500 sailors were due for deployment to the Middle East. The naval personnel are allocated to the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, comprising the USS San Diego, USS Tripoli and USS New Orleans.

This substantial troop increase represents a dramatic escalation of the conflict and raises the probability of American military personnel entering Iran.

US Central Command announced on Tuesday that American aircraft and missile operations have “destroyed more than 9,000 military targets” in Iran, yet Iran has continued with its drone and ballistic missile attacks on Israel and neighbouring countries throughout the week.