A senior Russian foreign policy figure has issued a chilling warning that US troops could face a “bloodbath” if President Donald Trump launches a ground operation against Iran. Mikhail Margelov, vice president of the Russian International Affairs Council, said Iran's Shia culture and growing national unity could fuel fierce resistance to American forces. Margelov also warned that a US ground operation later in 2026 cannot be ruled out, particularly after the November midterm elections. He suggested Trump's military calculations could depend on Republican losses in Congress. Any ground invasion would dramatically escalate the conflict and risk triggering a wider Middle East war.