The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States and its allies, threatening with prolonged disruptions of the global energy supply if Washington crosses what Tehran has termed “red lines,” according to a statement broadcast on state television, reports AFP.
“The Guardians of the Revolution once again assert that if the American terrorist army crosses the red lines, our response will exceed the boundaries of the region,” the statement reads, signaling the possibility of an escalation of the conflict beyond the Middle East.
The IRGC added that it will target key infrastructure in the energy sector, with the aim of “depriving the United States and their allies of oil and gas in the region for years to come”.
In its statement, the paramilitary force also suggested a shift in strategic position, indicating that the restraint previously shown may no longer be valid. “America’s regional partners should also know that until today we have shown great restraint for the sake of good neighborliness and we had some reservations in choosing targets for retaliation, but all these reservations have been removed,” the statement further reads.
The warning comes against the backdrop of an increasingly tense context between Tehran and Washington, both sides signaling their readiness to escalate the conflict, but seemingly leaving the path to negotiations open.
Israel strikes railways and bridges
The Israeli Air Force bombed approximately 10 “key” sections of railway and bridges in Iran on Tuesday, in an action intended to prevent the IRGC from transporting weapon systems, a security official told The Times of Israel.
Before the strikes, the Israeli army (IDF) warned the Iranian population to avoid using trains until the evening. According to the official, the IRGC was using the railway network and road bridges to move weapons and other military supplies. Israel had previously warned that it would hit Iran’s “national infrastructure” to cause economic damage to the regime.
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