Iran on Thursday warned it would deliver an immediate and decisive military response against United States forces, saying American military bases and aircraft carriers in the Middle East were within range of its missiles and could be legitimate targets if Washington launched an attack.

Brigadier-General Mohammad Akraminia, a spokesman for the Iranian army, told state television that Tehran’s retaliation to any US military action would be “not limited” and would be delivered “instantly,” dismissing the notion of a brief or superficial conflict. He said US aircraft carriers had “serious vulnerabilities” and that numerous American bases across the Gulf region were within the range of Iran’s medium-range missiles.

The stark warning came as Washington stepped up its military presence in the region. A US carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln has entered Middle Eastern waters, underscoring rising tensions with Tehran after months of political and military posturing by both sides.

CONTEXT OF HEIGHTENED RIVALRY

The latest threat from Tehran follows repeated warnings from US President Donald Trump that time was running out for negotiations with Iran, especially amid growing international concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme and its crackdown on domestic protests. Mr. Trump has publicly refused to rule out military action if Iran does not reach a deal.

The European Union recently designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organisation” in response to its violent crackdown on mass protests, prompting Tehran to condemn the decision as irresponsible and driven by external influence.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to return to negotiations to “avoid a crisis that could have devastating consequences in the region.”

REGIONAL AND GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS

Officials across the Gulf, where several US military facilities are located, have expressed deep concern about the threat of confrontation. One unnamed Gulf official told AFP that a strike on Iran could plunge the region into chaos, disrupt global oil markets, and trigger sharp increases in energy prices worldwide.

Iran’s domestic situation remains fraught, with continuing public anger over economic hardship and political repression. Rights groups suggest thousands have died in protests, a figure Tehran disputes.

Meanwhile, foreign ministers and military leaders on both sides have reiterated their positions, with Tehran rejecting negotiations “in an atmosphere of threats” and the United States maintaining its readiness to act to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities.

OUTLOOK

With tensions sharply elevated and diplomatic channels strained, analysts warn the risk of miscalculation remains high. The situation places extraordinary pressure on global markets, regional alliances, and international diplomatic efforts aimed at defusing one of the world’s most volatile flashpoints.