TEHRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stern warning to the United States, threatening to target American military installations and naval vessels across the region if Iranian oil tankers or commercial ships are attacked again.
The warning came amid rapidly escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington following reported US strikes on two Iranian tankers in the Gulf of Oman.
According to Iranian media reports on Saturday, the Guards in a statement declared that any assault on Iranian maritime assets would trigger a severe response against American interests in the region.
The statement underscored Tehran’s growing anger over what it described as repeated acts of aggression by US forces in strategically sensitive Gulf waters.
“Any attack on Iranian tankers and commercial vessels will result in a heavy attack on one of the American centres in the region and enemy ships,” the IRGC warned in its statement, signalling the possibility of direct military retaliation if hostilities intensify further.
The latest exchange of threats comes at a delicate moment in diplomatic efforts between the two long-time adversaries. US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington was awaiting Tehran’s response to what he described as America’s latest proposal for a possible peace agreement.
Trump indicated that a reply from Iran was expected “supposedly tonight”, though no official confirmation emerged regarding any formal response from Tehran.
Reports suggested that Pakistani intermediaries may have been involved in efforts to convey messages between the two sides.
However, there was no immediate public indication that any breakthrough had been achieved or that negotiations had advanced significantly.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also appeared to cast doubt on Washington’s intentions during a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart.
According to Iran’s ISNA news agency, Araghchi accused the United States of undermining diplomatic efforts through its recent military actions in the Gulf.
“The recent escalation of tensions by American forces in the Gulf and their numerous actions in violating the ceasefire have added to suspicions about the motivation and seriousness of the American side in the path of diplomacy,” Araghchi reportedly stated.
The sharp rhetoric from both sides has raised fresh concerns about regional stability, particularly in the Gulf shipping lanes that are vital for global energy supplies.
Analysts fear that continued military confrontations in the area could further destabilise an already volatile Middle East and complicate any ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at easing tensions between Tehran and Washington.
