Iran has threatened to strike US military bases and aircraft carriers immediately in the event of any attack, as tensions escalate following warnings from US President Donald Trump and the European Union’s designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation.
An Iranian military spokesman said on Thursday that Tehran’s response to any US action would be decisive and instantaneous, unlike the limited response seen during brief clashes last year.
Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia told state television that US aircraft carriers have "serious vulnerabilities" and that American bases across the Gulf region are "within the range of our medium-range missiles".
"If such a miscalculation is made by the Americans, it will certainly not unfold the way Trump imagines," Akraminia said, dismissing the idea of a swift and contained operation.
Regional diplomacy
Regional diplomacy continued as Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss de-escalation efforts, according to Qatar News Agency.
Meanwhile, the European Union has increased pressure on Tehran by blacklisting the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), citing its role in a violent crackdown on recent mass protests.
Iran condemned the move, calling it "illogical and irresponsible", and accused the EU of acting in obedience to the United States and Israel.
Trump has warned that "time is running out" for Tehran to reach a deal over its nuclear programme.
On Wednesday, he said a US naval strike group deployed to the Middle East was "ready, willing and able" to respond.
