Iran warned it would immediately strike US bases and aircraft carriers if attacked, after President Trump said "time is running out" and the EU designated the IRGC a terrorist organisation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged renewed nuclear talks to avert a potentially devastating regional crisis. Iranian commanders stressed any response would be decisive, while rights groups and Tehran provide conflicting death tolls from recent protests. Regional officials warned a military clash could destabilise the Middle East and sharply raise energy prices.
Iran Threatens Immediate Strikes On US Bases And Carriers After EU Labels IRGC 'Terrorist' — Region On Edge
The US and Iran have exchanged warnings (ATTA KENARE)(ATTA KENARE/AFP/AFP)
Iran warned on Thursday that it would immediately target US bases and aircraft carriers in response to any attack, following US President Donald Trump's warning that "time is running out" for Tehran and the European Union's decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
As Brussels and Washington stepped up rhetoric and Tehran issued blunt threats, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for renewed nuclear negotiations to "avoid a crisis that could have devastating consequences in the region."
Military Warnings
An Iranian military spokesman said any Iranian counterstrike would be broader than last June, when American assets briefly joined strikes alongside Israel. Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia told state television that Tehran's response would be decisive and "delivered instantly" rather than limited.
"US aircraft carriers have serious vulnerabilities and numerous American bases in the Gulf region are within the range of our medium-range missiles," Akraminia said. "If such a miscalculation is made by the Americans, it will certainly not unfold the way Trump imagines — carrying out a quick operation and then, two hours later, tweeting that the operation is over."
Regional and Economic Risks
An official in the Gulf, where several states host US military facilities, told AFP that fears of a US strike on Iran were "very clear." The official warned such a confrontation "would bring the region into chaos, it would hurt the economy not just in the region but in the US and cause oil and gas prices to skyrocket."
Diplomacy And International Moves
The European Union formally designated the IRGC a "terrorist organisation" over its role in a deadly crackdown on recent mass protests. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the move as "overdue," saying: "'Terrorist' is indeed how you call a regime that crushes its own people's protests in blood." Tehran sharply condemned the action, calling it "illogical, irresponsible and spite-driven" and accusing the EU of acting in deference to the United States and Israel.
Protests And Conflicting Death Tolls
Rights groups say security forces, including the IRGC, were responsible for large numbers of deaths during nationwide protests that began in late December. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it has confirmed 6,373 deaths, though internet blackouts since January 8 have hindered independent verification. Iranian authorities acknowledge thousands of deaths — reporting more than 3,000 — and assert that the majority of victims were security personnel or bystanders killed by what they called "rioters." Human rights groups warn the true toll could be substantially higher.
Voices On The Ground
In Tehran, many residents expressed grim resignation. A 29-year-old waitress, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, said: "I think the war is inevitable and a change must happen. It can be for worse, or better. I am not sure. I am not in favour of war. I just want something to happen that would result in something better." Another 29-year-old woman, unemployed and living in north Tehran, said: "We are now at the lowest point. Neither the economic situation, nor our livelihood is good."
Billboards and banners have appeared across Tehran promoting official narratives; one large poster appears to depict an American aircraft carrier being destroyed.
What Happens Next
President Trump has warned of military action if protesters were killed and has increasingly focused on Iran's nuclear programme, which Western governments suspect could be aimed at producing a weapon. On Wednesday he said "time is running out" for Tehran to make a deal and warned that a US naval strike group in the region is "ready, willing and able" to act.
The combination of strong public threats, diplomatic escalations and unresolved questions about protest casualties has left the region on edge. International officials continue to call for diplomacy to prevent a confrontation that could have broad humanitarian and economic consequences.
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