Tehran issued sweeping threats of retaliation as tensions escalated following U.S. warnings over Iran’s nuclear program and a European Union move targeting the Revolutionary Guard.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Iran threatened Thursday to immediately strike U.S. military bases and aircraft carriers if attacked, sharply escalating rhetoric after President Donald Trump warned that time was running out for Tehran and as the European Union designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
Iranian military officials said any future confrontation with the United States would go far beyond the limited response seen last year, when American forces briefly joined Israel in air operations against Iran. This time, they said, retaliation would be swift and expansive.
Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akraminia told Iranian state television that U.S. aircraft carriers have “serious vulnerabilities” and that American bases across the Gulf region are within range of Iran’s medium-range missiles.
“If such a miscalculation is made by the Americans, it will certainly not unfold the way Trump imagines — carrying out a quick operation and then, two hours later, tweeting that the operation is over,” Akraminia said.
A Gulf official from a country hosting U.S. military facilities told reporters that fears of a potential American strike on Iran were widespread.
“It would bring the region into chaos,” the official said. “It would hurt the economy not just in the region but in the U.S. and cause oil and gas prices to skyrocket.”
As rhetoric intensified, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged renewed nuclear negotiations, warning that failure to de-escalate could lead to “devastating consequences in the region.”
Diplomatic efforts continued behind the scenes. Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss steps aimed at easing tensions and restoring regional stability, according to Qatar’s state news agency.
The European Union added to the pressure by formally designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization, citing its role in suppressing recent mass protests in Iran. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the decision, calling it overdue.
“Terrorist is indeed how you call a regime that crushes its own people’s protests in blood,” von der Leyen said.
Iran’s military condemned the move as “illogical, irresponsible and spite-driven,” accusing the EU of acting in obedience to the United States and Israel. Iranian officials have blamed recent unrest on foreign interference, describing the protests as riots and terrorist operations hijacking demonstrations initially sparked by economic grievances.
Human rights organizations say thousands were killed during the crackdown, including by forces linked to the Revolutionary Guard. Iranian authorities acknowledge that thousands died but claim most were security personnel or civilians killed by violent demonstrators.
Inside Iran, public reaction ranged from anxiety to resignation. A 29-year-old waitress in Tehran said she feared conflict was unavoidable. “I think the war is inevitable and a change must happen,” she said. “It can be for worse, or better. I am not sure.”
Another Tehran resident, also 29, said the country felt at a low point. “Neither the economic situation, nor our livelihood is good,” she said. “It is the lowest for me.”
Trump initially warned of military consequences if protesters were killed during demonstrations that began in late December and peaked in early January. More recently, his focus has shifted to Iran’s nuclear program, which Western governments believe is aimed at developing an atomic weapon.
On Wednesday, Trump said “time is running out” for Iran to reach an agreement, noting that a U.S. naval strike group deployed to the Middle East earlier this week was “ready, willing and able” to act.
Human rights groups continue to dispute casualty figures from the unrest. A U.S.-based monitoring organization reported more than 6,300 confirmed deaths, while warning the true toll could be significantly higher. Iranian officials place the number at more than 3,000.
In Tehran, large billboards and banners have appeared reinforcing the government’s message, including imagery depicting the destruction of an American aircraft carrier, underscoring the increasingly confrontational tone as diplomatic options narrow.
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