IRGC dares Washington to secure tankers as strikes and regional instability surge
TEHRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) challenged US President Donald Trump on Saturday, daring the United States to escort oil tankers through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, the IRGC urged Washington to demonstrate its capability by protecting tankers with the US Navy, warning officials to recall the 1987 Persian Gulf supertanker attacks before taking action. The corps also highlighted recent tanker attacks in the region amid rising Gulf tensions.
The move comes as Iran reels from a week-long barrage of US and Israeli strikes that have killed more than 1,200 people, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Thousands of Iranians rallied in Tehran after Friday prayers, mourning the country’s slain supreme leader and condemning the attacks.
President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed Iran’s commitment to peace while asserting its readiness to defend sovereignty. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss regional developments and agreed to stay in close contact.
US President Donald Trump called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” but ruled out deploying ground troops. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said military operations could continue for four to six weeks, citing sufficient weapons stockpiles.
Strikes have spread across the region, with Iran targeting US bases in the UAE and Kuwait, while drone attacks affected Iraq and Azerbaijan reported thwarting Iranian strikes near its border. Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati praised Riyadh’s pledge not to allow its territory for attacks, seeing it as a step to prevent wider escalation.
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