Iran ready to deliver ‘crushing response’ to any new US assault: Ex-IRGC chief

A former chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has expressed the full readiness of Iranian Armed Forces to deliver a “crushing response” to the United States if it wages a new act of aggression against the country.

Rezaei made the remarks in an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN) on Thursday after US President Donald Trump backed down from threats to attack Iran under the guise of supporting foreign-linked rioters.

In the second year of the 1980s’ Iraqi-imposed war, Iranian forces managed to liberate over 90 percent of the occupied areas, entered Iraq and remained there until the end of the conflict despite entreaties by the US and the Soviet Union to stop, he said, adding that the move created security in the country for 40 to 50 years.

“We advise you to step back and not advance any further… You do not pay attention to our restraint and strategic patience in the face of the damage you have inflicted on us over the past 50 years,” he said in an address to Trump.

“If we are forced to return to the kind of Sacred Defense period we experienced from the second year onward, rest assured you will face serious problems,” he added. 

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• Iran ready for war if US wants to ‘test’ it: Araghchi warns after Trump’s threats

Rezaei, currently a member of Iran's Expediency Council, also noted that Iranians are not seeking a war, but if attacked, they will all enter the field.

“We will maintain our brotherhood and friendship with all countries, but your bases are within our reach. Your bases are at half the distance between us and the Israeli-occupied territories — you will be harmed,” he warned, referring to American bases in West Asia.

Meanwhile, the veteran commander said that all wars, assassinations, and coups against Iran pushed it to make a major leap in intelligence and security areas, adding that current pressure against the Islamic Republic will definitely result in advancement in the fields of economy and military technology.

“Trump has said his finger is on the trigger. God willing, we will cut off that finger so it becomes a lesson in US history,” he warned.

Rezaei further said that the Americans were waiting for the Iranian people to hold protests so they could launch their attack from within the unrest.

Monday’s million-strong rallies across Iran in support of the Islamic Republic foiled the US plot against Iran, he pointed out.

“The situation is critical, but our armed forces are prepared," he said, noting that "our finger is on the trigger." 

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• IRGC warns of decisive response to miscalculations by US, Israel

Some shopkeepers last month staged peaceful protests in different cities over economic issues, but the demonstrations were steered toward violence after public statements by US and Israeli regime figures—amplified by Israeli-linked Persian-language outlets—encouraged vandalism and disorder.

Authorities have acknowledged the legitimacy of economic grievances and vowed to address them, while denouncing foreign-backed elements for exploiting people's livelihood concerns, which are directly linked to unilateral US sanctions.

Security and judicial bodies say they have dismantled several armed cells and arrested foreign‑backed operatives during the unrest, including agents of the Israeli spy agency Mossad.

Trump has, over the past days, repeatedly threatened to attack Iran if, as he put it, the country kills what he has termed "peaceful protesters."

Iranian officials and military commanders have responded strongly, warning that any aggression on Iran will make American bases and assets in the region into "legitimate" targets. 

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