Iran has escalated its rhetoric against the United States, issuing a stark threat of direct, tit-for-tat retaliation amid rapidly mounting tensions in the Middle East. According to the head of Iran’s Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, Tehran will kill one U.S. soldier for every Iranian civilian or military personnel killed — a declaration underscoring how close both nations now stand to open conflict.
IRGC Warns Civilians to Evacuate Near U.S. Military Sites
In a separate statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued an urgent public warning to civilians across Gulf countries hosting U.S. troops. The IRGC urged people to evacuate immediately from areas within at least 500 meters of known U.S. military facilities — including barracks and covert housing — citing imminent danger.
‘We warn the general public in countries where U.S. soldiers are stationed to urgently move at least 500 meters away from American military shelters and hidden residences to ensure their safety,’ the IRGC said in its announcement.
U.S. Conducts 13th Consecutive Night of Airstrikes
Meanwhile, U.S. forces carried out another wave of airstrikes against Iranian military targets during the night of Thursday to Friday — marking the 13th straight night of such operations. According to a U.S. Department of Defense statement, the latest strikes targeted ‘Iranian military infrastructure’ as part of an ongoing campaign.
Despite sustained pressure, Tehran remains defiant. Reports indicate that Iran rejected a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire — reportedly conveyed through the Iraqi Prime Minister — signaling little appetite for de-escalation at this stage.
IRGC Accuses U.S. of Reneging on Truce, Committing War Crimes
In its statement, the IRGC claimed Iran had previously agreed to end hostilities after what it described as 40 days of ‘victorious warfare,’ accepting negotiations ‘with absolute magnanimity’ to restore regional calm. However, the IRGC alleges the U.S. violated the agreement almost immediately — resuming hostilities, breaking commitments, and formally scrapping the deal as of July 12.
The IRGC further accuses U.S. forces of committing war crimes by targeting civilian infrastructure — including bridges, fishing piers, boats, passing vehicles, and rail networks — resulting in numerous civilian deaths. It specifically cites yesterday’s deadly strike near the Iraq-Iran border, which killed and wounded pilgrims traveling for the Arbaeen religious observance, as evidence of ‘the enemy’s dark nature.’
‘Given the continuation of such crimes, retribution (Qisas) against perpetrators will be on our agenda,’ the IRGC warned — adding that fear of Iranian fighters has reportedly driven many U.S. officers and troops to abandon official bases and operate instead from buildings inside urban centers.