Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Deputy Commander Ahmad Vahidi declared Saturday that the nation's military stands ready to deliver a "regret-inducing" response to perceived threats from the United States, as tensions escalate over Washington's recent naval deployments. The warning comes amid heightened regional anxieties following U.S. President Donald Trump's Thursday announcement of a "massive" naval force movement toward Iranian waters.
Speaking at a national congress in West Azarbaijan province, Vahidi referenced what Iranian officials describe as a "12-day Israeli-U.S. war" in June 2025, asserting: "Today, we are more prepared than during last year's confrontation. Any enemy adventurism will meet decisive retaliation." The commander also linked recent December 2025 protests over currency devaluation to foreign interference, claiming attempts to "incite sedition" had failed due to national unity.
Trump's ambiguous statements about the naval deployment have drawn international attention, with the U.S. leader stating aboard Air Force One: "We have a big flotilla going in that direction. And we'll see what happens." While emphasizing a preference to avoid conflict, the remarks mark the latest development in ongoing tensions that began with Iran's 2025 nuclear program expansion following the collapse of renewed JCPOA negotiations.
Regional analysts suggest the current standoff reflects broader geopolitical realignments in the Middle East, with Chinese-mediated Saudi-Iranian normalization efforts facing new challenges. Business leaders remain cautious about potential impacts on global energy markets, while security experts warn miscalculations could disrupt vital shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
