Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that any attack on the country will be met with a “devastating” response, as tensions escalate between Tehran and Washington.
The statement from IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami follows a series of U.S. threats against Iran and comes in the wake of recent military action in Yemen.
Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon and Iran’s Foreign Ministry for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Salami’s warning underscores Iran’s stance amid growing hostilities with the United States, particularly over Yemen and Tehran’s broader regional influence. The latest exchange of threats follows a deadly U.S. airstrike in Yemen and heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, raising concerns about a wider conflict.
Graduation ceremony of The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), held at the military cadets Imam Hussain (a.s.) Officers Academy. Tehran, Iran 30/06/2018. Graduation ceremony of The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), held at the military cadets Imam Hussain (a.s.) Officers Academy. Tehran, Iran 30/06/2018. Salampix/AP Photo
What To Know
Salami issued a stark statement, saying any act of aggression against Iran would result in a “tough, decisive and devastating reaction.” He also said that Tehran takes full responsibility for its actions and will “overtly” acknowledge them when necessary.
“If we attack anywhere or support anybody, we will unequivocally announce it,” Salami said. However, he said that Iran does not dictate the policies of the Yemeni Houthi movement, which he stated make their own strategic decisions.
His comments came after President Donald Trump threatened Iran, warning against support for Yemen’s government and militant groups.
Supreme Leader Responds
Iran’s Supreme Leader framed the strikes on Yemen as evidence that U.S. and its allies fear the growing strength of regional resistance. “The nation of #Yemen is definitely victorious. The only path is that of resistance,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted on his X account.
He further said that Western military action reflects anxiety over shifting power dynamics, stating, “That which has caused the U.S. and its allies to panic today is the fact that the Muslim nations are standing firmly and that this resistance will prove to be effective.”
Escalation in Yemen
U.S. forces carried out airstrikes on a residential area in the Shuaab district of Yemen’s capital on March 15, killing at least 31 people and injuring over 100, according to officials there.
Days before, the Yemeni Houthi rebels announced the reinstatement of their maritime blockade on Israeli shipping as a response to delays in humanitarian aid reaching Palestinians in Gaza. This blockade affects key waterways, including the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Chief of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Gen. Hossein Salami addresses the funeral ceremony of the victims of Wednesday’s bomb explosion in the city of Kerman about 510 miles (820 km) southeast of the capital Tehran,… Chief of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Gen. Hossein Salami addresses the funeral ceremony of the victims of Wednesday’s bomb explosion in the city of Kerman about 510 miles (820 km) southeast of the capital Tehran, Iran, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Vahid Salemi/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami said: “I warn all enemies that any threat being carried out will draw a tough, decisive and devastating reaction.”
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran: “BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!”
What Happens Next
The IRGC chief’s remarks coincide with the growing possibility of military escalation. Trump recently warned that Iran faces two choices—negotiation or military action—while reports have said Israel may be planning strikes on Iranian nuclear sites this year. Tehran has dismissed any negotiations under pressure.
