The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a direct threat to the United States and its allies if Washington decides to resume airstrikes against the regime.
The New York Times reported that the IRGC said on Wednesday that if the United States restarts airstrikes, the war could spill beyond the Middle East. This comes as talks between Washington and Tehran have failed to produce a long-term peace agreement.
The IRGC released a statement on Wednesday saying that the “American-Zionist enemy” failed to learn from a series of repeated airstrikes that failed to topple the regime. “If aggression against IRan is repeated, the regional war that was promised will this time extend beyond the region, and our crushing blows will bring you to your knees in places you cannot imagine,” the statement read.
🚨 BREAKING: 🇮🇷 The IRGC has issued a strong warning to the U.S. and Israel:
“You attacked us using the full strength of two of the world’s most powerful and expensive militaries, yet we still have not used all of our capabilities.
If another attack happens, the conflict will… pic.twitter.com/MFKbxenUsH
— Iran Reports (@IranReportsX) May 20, 2026
The IRGC also declared they are “men of war” and that the U.S. “will see our power on the battlefield, not in hollow statements and on virtual pages.”
President Donald Trump earlier this week said he called off a planned attack that was set to take place on Tuesday, before the IRGC’s warning. This came after leaders in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates urged him to allow more time for continued negotiations.
The IRGC still holds significant leverage over the Strait of Hormuz and has maintained a blockade of the waterway since shortly after the war started. The U.S. responded with its own blockade, targeting vessels headed to and from Iranian ports.
🚨 BREAKING: 🇮🇷 IRGC issues strong warning to 🇺🇸 US & 🇮🇱 Israel
“If you resume attacks on Tehran, the conflict will spread beyond the region and you will face crushing blows in places you cannot even imagine.” pic.twitter.com/qbZpW0Tlff
— Commentary Ibrahim Zolfaghari (@Iranupdates9) May 20, 2026
Washington explored a deal that would lift sanctions on some of Iran’s assets while allowing some peaceful nuclear activity. However, Trump has stressed over and over again that the regime cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.
However, one of the biggest obstacles to peace is the fact that the IRGC has effectively taken over Iran’s government during the war. Newly-appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was placed in his position by key members of the IRGC, but he has yet to make a public appearance.
Now, the regime’s decision-making is concentrated in a small circle tied to the Supreme National Security Council and the Guards. Khamenei is essentially a puppet who rubber stamps each decision this cabal makes. This has made diplomacy more difficult because the circle is made up of hardliners who are more focused on preserving the regime’s leverage and avoiding any deal that could be seen as surrender.
Tehran has insisted that it will not entertain talks about its nuclear program until there is a permanent end to hostilities. As long as the IRGC is calling the shots, it will be slow going when it comes to getting to an actual peace agreement that works for both parties.
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