Iran on Thursday issued a warning of a “crushing response” to any attack, and just hours later US President Donald Trump said he was in talks with Tehran, hinting that military confrontation might still be avoided. Even so, Trump is reportedly considering a broader range of military options against Iran, including potential commando-style operations targeting nuclear facilities. At the same time, Iranian security forces have detained thousands of people in an effort to prevent fresh protests, according to Reuters.
Trump said he would prefer not to resort to military force against Iran, while Tehran responded by threatening immediate strikes on US military bases and aircraft carriers if it is attacked.
Earlier, Trump had warned of possible military action if protesters were killed during the anti-government demonstrations that erupted in late December and peaked around January 8 and 9. More recently, however, his focus has shifted toward Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which Western nations believe are aimed at developing an atomic weapon.
On Wednesday, Trump said “time is running out” for Tehran to reach a deal and cautioned that a US naval strike group that entered Middle Eastern waters earlier this week was fully prepared to act if required.
Trump now hints at talks as Iran hardens its stance
On Thursday, Trump said he intended to speak with Iranian officials, even as Washington deployed another warship to the region.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated sharply in recent weeks following a violent crackdown by Iran’s clerical leadership on nationwide protests.
Iranian military spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia warned that Tehran’s response to any US action would be unrestricted. He said it would be different from June last year, when US aircraft and missiles briefly joined Israel’s limited air campaign against Iran, adding that any retaliation would be swift and decisive.
Israel presses for joint military action
Israel has urged the United States to take part in renewed strikes targeting Iran’s ballistic missile programme. Intelligence officials told The New York Times that Iran has largely rebuilt the system after it was heavily damaged during a 12-day conflict last June.
Israeli authorities remain deeply concerned about Iran’s missile capabilities, which they say can reach both civilian and military targets across Israel.
EU designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group
The European Union on Thursday formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation following the deadly suppression of recent protests.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the label was justified, describing the regime as one that crushed its own people’s protests in blood and calling the move long overdue.
The 27-member bloc also approved visa bans and asset freezes against 21 Iranian officials and state bodies, including the interior minister, the prosecutor general and regional IRGC commanders, over their roles in the crackdown.
Iran warned that the decision could have serious and destructive consequences. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called it a major strategic mistake, especially after European powers had pushed last year for the reimposition of UN sanctions linked to Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran’s military condemned what it described as an illogical and irresponsible decision by the EU, accusing the bloc of acting at the behest of the United States and Israel.
