Iran’s armed forces are prepared for a US ground operation, the speaker of the country’s parliament has said, amid reports that the Pentagon is preparing for a ground assault.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the administration of US President Donald Trump of publicly calling for negotiations while preparing for a ground attack inside Iran.

He warned that any such move would provoke a strong response from Iranian forces and could lead to retaliation against US regional allies.

“The enemy openly sends a message of negotiation and dialogue while secretly planning a ground attack,” Ghalibaf said.

“Our forces are ready, our missiles are in place, and our determination has only grown stronger.”

He also claimed that Iranian forces were aware of what he described as weaknesses within US forces and suggested that any ground incursion would be met with force.

Ghalibaf has recently emerged as a key figure in Tehran’s engagement with Washington, according to US media reports.