Iran has warned it would immediately strike US military bases and aircraft carriers if Washington launches an attack. The threat came after Donald Trump said time was running out for Tehran to agree on its nuclear programme.
The warning followed a decision by the European Union to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. As rhetoric escalated, the United Nations urged restraint.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for renewed nuclear negotiations. He said diplomacy was needed to avoid a crisis with devastating regional consequences.
An Iranian military spokesperson said Tehran’s response to any US strike would be swift and decisive. He said it would differ from the limited response seen during last year’s brief confrontation involving Israel and the United States.
Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia told state television that US aircraft carriers have serious vulnerabilities. He said American bases across the Gulf region fall within range of Iran’s medium-range missiles.
He warned that any miscalculation by Washington would not lead to a quick operation. He said Iran would respond in ways the US president did not anticipate.
Trump says ‘hopefully’ won't need military action in Iran
Get Iran-US tensions highlights 🔗👇 https://t.co/0BT6qEJC5V
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) January 30, 2026A Gulf official, speaking to AFP, said fears of a US strike remain widespread in the region. He warned that conflict would cause chaos and damage global markets.
He said a war would hurt economies in the Middle East and the United States. He added that oil and gas prices would surge sharply.
Regional Diplomacy and Protest Fallout
Amid rising tensions, Qatar’s ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Qatar’s state news agency said both leaders discussed efforts to de-escalate tensions.
The European Union increased pressure on Tehran by blacklisting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. EU officials linked the move to Iran’s violent crackdown on mass protests.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the decision. She said the designation was long overdue.
Read: Iran Declares Live-Fire Zone Near Strait of Hormuz After US Move
Iran strongly criticised the EU move. Military officials called it irresponsible and accused Brussels of acting under pressure from the United States and Israel. Iranian authorities have blamed recent protests on foreign interference. They said external actors hijacked demonstrations that began over economic grievances.
𝗜𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝗨𝗦 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://t.co/lmQ7Tw4udR pic.twitter.com/IBwUg0TpfM
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) January 29, 2026Trump had earlier warned of consequences if protesters were killed during the unrest. His recent comments have focused on Iran’s nuclear activities.
On Wednesday, Trump said time was running out for Tehran to make a deal. He said a US naval strike group in the region stood ready to act.
Iranian officials have acknowledged thousands of deaths during the protests. Authorities put the toll above 3,000 but said many victims were security personnel or bystanders.
The government has also intensified messaging at home. Large billboards in Tehran show images of US aircraft carriers under attack, reinforcing official warnings.
As tensions rise, diplomats and analysts continue to warn that further escalation could push the region toward open conflict.
