IRGC Commander Warns U.S. And Israel: Gen. Mohammad Pakpour said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is "more ready than ever, finger on the trigger," issuing a direct warning amid the arrival of U.S. naval forces in the region. Activist networks report a much higher death toll from recent protests than Iran’s official figures, but independent verification is limited due to an ongoing internet blackout. Several European airlines have canceled or postponed flights to the Gulf as governments and carriers monitor escalating tensions.
Iran Revolutionary Guard Chief Warns U.S. And Israel: 'Finger On The Trigger' As U.S. Navy Deploys To Region
FILE - The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier and a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, conduct joint exercises in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in Arabian Sea June 1, 2019. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian M. Wilbur/U.S. Navy via AP, File)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Dubai — Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it is "more ready than ever, finger on the trigger," its commander Gen. Mohammad Pakpour warned Saturday as U.S. warships moved into the wider Middle East, according to Nournews, a Telegram channel linked to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Direct Warning From IRGC
Nournews quoted Pakpour urging the United States and Israel "to avoid any miscalculation." The outlet attributed to Pakpour:
"The Islamic Revolutionary Guards and dear Iran stand more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, to execute the orders and directives of the Commander-in-Chief."
U.S. Military Movements
The comments came as U.S. officials said a carrier strike group including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships were operating in the Indian Ocean. President Donald Trump said on Air Force One that a "massive fleet" was heading toward the region "just in case," adding the deployment was intended to deter further escalation.
Context: Protests, Crackdown And Access To Information
Renewed tensions follow a violent crackdown on protests that began Dec. 28 after a sharp fall in the rial. Rights groups and activist networks report a far higher death toll than Iran’s official figures. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported 5,137 deaths and more than 27,700 arrests; Iran’s government released a lower official total of 3,117 fatalities, saying 2,427 were civilians and security personnel and labeling the remainder "terrorists." These numbers are disputed and remain difficult to independently verify amid an extended internet blackout inside Iran.
Regional Impact: Flights And Safety Concerns
Heightened security concerns prompted several European carriers to alter schedules. Air France canceled two roundtrips between Paris and Dubai over the weekend, Luxair postponed a flight from Luxembourg to Dubai, and arrivals data showed cancellations by Dutch carriers KLM and Transavia. Airlines said they were closely monitoring the situation and would update operations based on safety assessments.
What To Watch
- Claims about casualties and arrests remain contested; independent verification is limited because of restricted communications inside Iran.
- U.S. and regional military movements may shift quickly depending on diplomatic or security developments.
- Airline schedules to and over the region are likely to remain fluid while tensions persist.
Reporting note: This account relies on Nournews and other media reports, statements from U.S. officials, and activist group tallies. Some figures remain unverified and reflect the differing tallies provided by activist networks and Iranian authorities.
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