Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stark warning to the United States and Israel on Thursday, declaring it has its “finger on the trigger,” even as US President Donald Trump said Tehran still appears interested in negotiations.
Speaking through a statement carried by Iranian state media, IRGC ground forces commander General Mohammad Pakpour cautioned Washington and Tel Aviv to “avoid any miscalculations,” urging them to learn from what Iran calls the 12-day “imposed war” last June.
He said Iranian forces are more prepared than ever and ready to carry out the orders of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom he described as “dearer than their own lives.”
Trump, meanwhile, struck a mixed tone while addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos. He reiterated that the US carried out strikes last year on Iranian uranium enrichment facilities to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons—an ambition Iran denies. “Can’t let that happen,” Trump said, adding that Iran “does want to talk, and we’ll talk.”
Tensions remain high following weeks of mass protests that erupted in late December and shook Iran’s clerical leadership. The demonstrations have largely subsided after a severe crackdown that activists say killed thousands and involved an unprecedented internet blackout.
Iranian authorities on Wednesday released their first official death toll, saying 3,117 people were killed, including 2,427 classified as “martyrs,” whom officials said were security personnel or civilians.
The IRGC has been accused by activists of spearheading the repression. It is designated a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, and Australia, with calls growing for similar action by the EU and UK.
Adding to the warnings, Iran’s joint armed forces commander said any US attack would render “all US interests, bases and centres of influence” legitimate targets. Still, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote this week that Iran remains open to “real and serious negotiations,” even as it vows to respond forcefully to any attack.
