A senior Iranian official recently issued a stark warning to President Donald Trump, indicating that any military action by the U.S. would lead to retaliation against American forces throughout the Middle East. This assertion comes amidst rising tensions, as confirmed by reliable sources stating that at least one U.S. aircraft carrier is being redeployed to the region.
Mohsen Rezaei, a senior general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a member of Iran’s Expediency Identification Council, made the announcement during a speech. He reportedly said, “Mr. Trump said his hand was on the trigger. We will cut off his hand and fingers.”
Rezaei further emphasized that should the U.S. engage in an attack, the notion of a ceasefire would be off the table. “If we move forward, there will be no talk of a ceasefire,” he stated, urging for an immediate retreat to ensure the safety of U.S. bases in the region.
As the U.S. contemplates its military presence, officials haven’t specified whether the USS Abraham Lincoln, currently in the South China Sea, or one of the two aircraft carriers that recently departed from Norfolk and San Diego is being redeployed. The journey to the Middle East will likely take about a week and could involve more U.S. military assets as options are discussed for possible action against Iran.
Rezaei holds significant influence, having been the Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Guards for nearly two decades and now serving in various high-ranking roles, including as vice president for economic affairs. He is also tied to past controversies, such as an international arrest warrant issued by Argentina concerning a bombing incident, along with being sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for destabilizing actions.
Simultaneously, unrest continues in Iran, now stretching into its 19th day. Reports from the Human Rights Defenders News Agency indicate that over 2,600 arrests have been made, with many additional cases under review. Observers, including Ali Safavi from the National Council of Resistance in Iran, claim the number of detainees could be as high as 50,000, noting a decrease in intensity compared to earlier days of violence.
While communication disruptions persist, with some landlines cut off entirely, officials report that clashes, including gunfire, remained ongoing in cities like Tehran and Kermanshah. Calls for international intervention to secure the release of detainees have surged, prompting requests for urgent fact-finding missions to Iranian prisons.
