Trump Warned 'No Victory Without Boots on the Ground' in Iran War

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President Donald Trump has been warned by a Kurdish commander that there can be no victory against Iran without a ground offensive, after the president declared he is not afraid of another Vietnam-like conflict. The commander, Babasheikh Hosseini, said the Iranian regime will not fall without boots on the ground, and wants U.S. backing for a Kurdish-led invasion. Trump had previously given mixed messages about involving the Kurds, first saying he'd be 'all for it' before later saying the war is 'complicated enough' without them.

Why it matters

The warning from the Kurdish commander highlights the challenges Trump may face in any potential conflict with Iran, with concerns that airstrikes alone will not be enough to topple the regime. The president's comments also raise questions about his willingness to commit ground troops, after the long and costly Vietnam War.

The details

Hosseini, who heads the exiled Iranian Kurdish armed group Khabat Organisation, said: 'If we are not on this battlefield, the end of the regime will either not occur, or be delayed by a lot.' He told The Telegraph he wants U.S. backing, saying: 'We can still launch an invasion alone, but with their help it will be much better.' Trump had previously given mixed signals about involving the Kurds, first saying he'd be 'all for it' before later saying the war is 'complicated enough' without them.

• On March 19, 2026, Trump was asked in the Oval Office if he was afraid that putting boots on the ground in Iran could be another Vietnam, to which he replied: 'No. I'm not afraid of anything.'

What they’re saying

What’s next

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