Iran's Military Advisor Issues Stark Warnings to the US Amid Tensions
Iran's Stance on US Relations
Mohsen Rezaei, who has recently taken on the role of military adviser in Iran and is a former leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, has issued a grave warning to the United States. He stated that Iran is prepared to 'paralyse' the US and 'sink' its vessels in the Arabian Gulf, seemingly giving US President Donald Trump a 'deadline' to prevent further escalation of tensions. In a televised discussion with Iran's state-funded news outlet IRNA, Rezaei remarked, 'The final deadlines for saving America are approaching,' emphasizing that time is running out to 'rescue the United States from this quagmire.'
He cautioned that any attack on Iran's infrastructure would provoke a response that exceeds the principle of 'an eye for an eye,' suggesting a more severe retaliation. Rezaei claimed, 'We will paralyse you and drown you in the Gulf.' He accused Israel of misleading the Trump administration into conflict, driven by ambitions for a 'Greater Israel,' which has left Trump in a precarious position between US military leaders and Israeli interests.
Labeling the ongoing war as 'illegal,' Rezaei asserted that it would persist until all sanctions are lifted, damages are compensated, and international assurances are made to prevent future hostilities. He referenced the historical animosity between the US and Israel towards Iran, recalling their support for Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war and the ongoing conspiracies since that time.
In a contrasting statement, Trump indicated on Monday via Truth Social that the US and Iran had initiated 'very good and productive conversations' aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict. He announced a five-day delay on planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure to facilitate ongoing discussions, marking a potential sign of de-escalation as the conflict enters its fourth week. In response to Trump's announcement, Iranian state media suggested that the US president had 'backed down' out of fear of Iranian retaliation.
Trump's message stated: 'I am pleased to report that the United States of America and the country of Iran have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East. Based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of Defence to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.'
However, Iranian officials have dismissed these claims as 'fake news.' Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on social media, 'The Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors. All Iranian officials stand firmly behind their supreme leader and people until this goal is achieved.' He further added, 'No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped.'