IRGC warns of no geographical limits in war with US, cites Khamenei order
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared that Iranian forces have mapped out a vast battlefield to inflict damage on the 'enemy' and achieve complete deterrence, with spokesman Hossein Mohebbi asserting that the corps is more prepared than ever to respond decisively to any threat.
What Mohebbi Said
Speaking at a conference in Iran's southeastern Kerman province on Sunday, Mohebbi stated that the IRGC has placed on its agenda the identification of new enemy targets and the planning of operations in new geographical regions. He pointed to recent orders from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to senior military commanders, saying the leader's guidelines 'opened a new chapter of war.'
Mohebbi specifically highlighted Khamenei's emphasis that 'there is no geographical limitation in the war with the United States,' signalling a significant expansion in Iran's declared operational posture.
Khamenei's Standing Order
On Saturday, a statement attributed to Iran's supreme leader announced that senior commanders of the armed forces had been ordered to ensure that any level and kind of threat from 'enemies' must be met with an 'immediate and effective' response — and without geographical limitations. The directive effectively removes any implicit ceiling on where Iran's military could act in a future confrontation.
US Threats and Gulf Briefings
The IRGC's warnings come amid what Iranian officials describe as heightened US threats of military action against Iran. According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), US President Donald Trump was briefed on Thursday by top US military officials on options regarding Iran. The WSJ also reported that the United States had informed several Gulf countries to prepare for a possible brief but intense military campaign against Iran following the US midterm elections.
Regional Context: Escalation Since February
This is not the first time the region has been tested. On 28 February, Israel and the United States reportedly launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US bases and assets across the region, and also reportedly tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world's oil supply transits.
With both sides escalating their stated postures and the possibility of US military action reportedly being actively planned, the region appears to be entering one of its most volatile stretches in years. How the next provocation — real or perceived — is handled could determine whether the confrontation escalates beyond rhetoric.