Chechen Units Signal Readiness to Support Iran if US Launches Ground Offensive
Iranian state media reported that Chechen units aligned with Ramzan Kadyrov are ready to deploy to Iran if the United States escalates to a ground operation.
Chechen military units are ready to deploy to Iran to support its armed forces in the event of a US ground invasion, according to reports published on Monday, March 31.
Iranian state television channel Press TV reported that the units, loyal to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, could be sent if Washington escalates its military campaign beyond airstrikes.
Claims originate from Iranian state media
Press TV said the forces had declared their readiness to intervene in support of Iran, describing the conflict as a “religious war” and potential involvement as “jihad.”
The claims have not been independently verified, and there has been no official confirmation from Russian or Chechen authorities.
Escalation fears grow
The reports come amid rising tensions following weeks of US- and Israel-led strikes on Iranian targets.
US officials have not confirmed plans for a ground operation, though military pressure on Iran continues alongside diplomatic efforts.
Iran has responded with repeated missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US positions in the region.
Iran has also accused Ukraine of involvement in the conflict.
In a letter to the United Nations, Iran’s ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani claimed Kyiv had sent “hundreds of experts” to assist US- and Israeli-led operations.
Ukraine has not confirmed these allegations.
Role of Kadyrov’s forces
Forces aligned with Kadyrov, often referred to as “kadyrovtsy,” have previously taken part in conflicts alongside Russian troops, including in Ukraine.
Any potential deployment to Iran would mark a further expansion of the war beyond the Middle East.
Earlier Iran’s envoy to the United Nations accused Ukraine of taking an active role in the war against Tehran. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council, Iran said Kyiv’s deployment of counter-drone specialists to Middle Eastern countries amounted to “material and operational support” for US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhy dismissed Iran’s claims as lies and said Tehran had no standing to accuse Kyiv after supplying Russia with drones used in attacks on Ukraine.
