Iran's IRGC warns of 'unimaginable' response to hostile acts

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
24 May 2025 15:04

The IRGC affirms heightened military readiness against enemies as Iran boosts its maritime fleet with 13 domestically built vessels delivered in Khorramshahr.

Listen

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) cadets during a graduation ceremony at Imam Hussein University in Tehran (AFP)

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) is heightening its military readiness in response to growing threats from enemies.

In a statement, the IRGC underscored its ongoing efforts, in coordination with other branches of Iran’s Armed Forces, to remain fully prepared on the frontlines.

'Fingers on the trigger'

The IRGC affirmed that its forces are fully mobilized and “with fingers on the trigger,” ready to deliver what it described as a “decisive, regret-inducing, and unimaginable response” to any hostile act.

The statement went further, warning that any aggression would provoke a retaliatory strike powerful enough to shift the strategic balance of power.

This, it said, would be to the advantage of the “front of righteousness” and to the detriment of what it called the “Great Satan” — a reference to the United States — and "Israel".

Iranian Army to respond 'firmly' to any threat, aggression

In a similar vein, in a statement marking the anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr, the Iranian Army on Friday affirmed that it will respond “firmly” to any threat or act of aggression.

The Army declared that it “will defend this land to the last drop of blood, in the name of Iran’s dignity and honor.”

It stressed its readiness to protect the country’s territorial integrity, independence, and security, asserting that it will “never allow the enemies’ ambitions to be realized.”

Iranians commemorate the recapture of Khorramshahr on May 24 each year. The city had been seized by Iraqi forces on October 26, 1980, and was liberated by Iran in 1982.

CNN and Axios have both reported that "Israel" is drawing up plans for a rapid military strike against Iranian nuclear sites if negotiations break down.

One Israeli official told Axios that the "operational window for a successful strike could close soon," suggesting that "Israel" is considering "preemptive action" to obstruct Iran’s sovereign and peaceful nuclear program, despite the absence of any legal basis for such aggression.

Nuclear warning

In response to these threats, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sent a formal letter to the UN secretary-general and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warning that Iran may relocate its nuclear materials to protect them from potential Israeli attacks.

"Under conditions wherein threats made by the Zionist fanatics persist, the Islamic Republic of Iran shall be left with no recourse but to implement special measures for the protection of its nuclear facilities and materials, the relevant particulars of which shall thereafter be communicated to the IAEA," Araghchi wrote.

He reiterated that Iran's nuclear program remains peaceful and fully in line with IAEA safeguards, and stressed that any attempt to sabotage or attack Iran's facilities would be met with a decisive response.

In the same letter, the Iranian FM held Washington accountable for enabling Israeli aggression, "Iran strongly warns against any adventurism by the Israeli Zionist regime and will respond decisively to any threats or unlawful actions by this regime. We also believe that if any attack is carried out against the nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Israeli regime, the US government will be complicit and bear legal responsibility."

Iran adds 13 domestically built vessels to maritime fleet

Separately, Iran marked a significant development in its maritime defense capabilities by adding 13 domestically produced vessels to its national fleet.

The official handover took place in the southern port city of Khorramshahr in a ceremony attended by the Minister of Defense.

The newly inducted vessels include four tugboats, each with 1,800 horsepower, and nine advanced search-and-rescue ships. They were officially delivered to the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran as part of broader efforts to boost the country’s maritime security and self-sufficiency.

Vessels built with advanced indigenous technology

Designed and constructed by the Marine Industries Organization of the Ministry of Defense, the vessels incorporate cutting-edge indigenous technology. The project involved collaboration with 25 knowledge-based companies and academic institutions across Iran.

Iran's Ministry of Defense noted that the new vessels are equipped with some of the most sophisticated and complex systems developed domestically, and they meet all international maritime standards.