Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Issue Warning to the U.S.
The leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) issued a stark warning to the United States on Saturday, stating that militias are now “more ready than ever” as American warships make their way toward the Middle East. This warning follows weeks of mounting pressure from President Donald Trump, coinciding with widespread anti-regime protests and a violent government response that the Revolutionary Guards were heavily involved in.
Mohammad Pakpour, the IRGC chief, emphasized that both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran are fully prepared to execute orders from the Commander-in-Chief. This information was reported by the Associated Press, citing Noor News, which has ties to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Pakpour also cautioned the U.S. and Israel against making “miscalculations.” This warning comes on the heels of comments made by Iran’s ambassador, who accused these nations of exacerbating “political destabilization, domestic unrest, and chaos.”
In a separate development, both President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with Iranian protesters. Netanyahu remarked that Israel is “closely monitoring” the situation and asserted that his nation stands ready to support a peaceful transition for Iran—once it’s no longer “under the yoke of oppression.”
Potential Retaliation Threats
Iran has also cautioned President Trump against taking any action against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Iranian military spokesperson Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi stated, “If our leaders were to attempt an invasion, we would not only thwart those efforts, but we would also ignite their world.”
On Thursday, Trump indicated to reporters that warships are being directed toward Iran “just in case.” He noted the presence of a sizable fleet in the region, yet added that its use may not be necessary.
An official from the U.S. Navy stated that the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, along with other vessels, is currently positioned in the Indian Ocean.
Ongoing Protests and International Reaction
The demonstrations against the regime began on December 28, fueled by public dissatisfaction over economic hardship in a country increasingly isolated on the global stage. Violence against protesters has been reported, even amid an internet blackout.
As the protests escalated, Trump previously warned that the U.S. was “well prepared” to act if violence was used against demonstrators. He claimed in a social media post that the Iranian regime had canceled over 800 scheduled executions, a claim that Iran’s top prosecutor has since disputed, calling it “completely false.”
According to the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), the confirmed death toll due to the ongoing unrest has reached over 5,000, with injuries totaling more than 7,000. Reports of arrests have also surged, with figures nearing 28,000. The Iranian government initially reported 3,117 deaths, categorizing many victims as civilians or security forces, while labeling others as “terrorists.”
