Key facts
- Iran's top joint military command stated its forces are ready to strike at the 'enemy's heart'.
- The command noted Iran's military capabilities have grown stronger.
- Iranian forces are waiting for an 'enemy' mistake to retaliate.
- General Mohammad Pakpour of the Revolutionary Guard warned the U.S. and Israel against miscalculation.
- U.S. warships are heading toward the Middle East.
- Several European airlines canceled flights to the region due to security concerns.
Iran's top joint military command has declared that its forces are on high alert with a "finger on the trigger," ready to strike at the "enemy's heart." According to Iranian state media, the command asserted that Iran's military capabilities have been significantly enhanced under Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and that Iranian forces are poised to retaliate upon the "smallest mistake" by the "enemy."
General Mohammad Pakpour, commander of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, echoed this readiness, warning the United States and Israel to "avoid any miscalculation." He stated that the Revolutionary Guard and Iran are "more ready than ever" to act on the directives of the Commander-in-Chief. This heightened rhetoric comes as U.S. warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, are reportedly heading toward the Middle East.
President Trump has previously issued warnings to Tehran, setting red lines regarding the killing of peaceful demonstrators and mass executions of those arrested during recent nationwide protests. While Trump claimed Iran had halted executions of detained protesters, Iran's top prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, denied these claims. The escalating tensions have also led to flight cancellations by European airlines, including Air France, KLM, and Transavia, to destinations like Dubai and Tel Aviv, citing security concerns in the region.