US Warships Head Towards Iran as Revolutionary Guard Braces for Action
A heightened state of tension is gripping the Middle East, with US warships closing in on Iranian waters. The situation has taken a turn for the worse following a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests that left thousands dead.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a warning to the United States and Israel, stating that they are "more ready than ever, finger on the trigger," according to General Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the IRGC. The warning comes as US President Donald Trump's administration continues to apply pressure on Iran over its nuclear program and human rights record.
Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran, setting two red lines for the use of military force: the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the mass execution of people arrested in the protests. However, there is no clear indication that the United States intends to take action at this stage.
The US Navy's aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, along with other warships, has been spotted in the Indian Ocean, sparking concerns about a potential military intervention. Trump claimed that "we have a massive fleet heading in that direction and maybe we won't have to use it," but an official from the US Navy said that the aircraft carrier was simply on routine deployment.
The Iranian government has reported 3,117 deaths during the protests, with 2,427 of those being civilians and security forces. However, activists believe that the real death toll is significantly higher, with estimates ranging as high as 5,137.
Meanwhile, European airlines have suspended some flights to the region due to the ongoing tensions. Air France has canceled two return flights from Paris to Dubai, while Luxair has postponed a flight from Luxembourg to Dubai by 24 hours.
The situation in Iran remains volatile, with widespread internet blackouts and increasing unrest continuing to fuel the crisis. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has reported over 27,700 arrests, with many more expected as information trickles out of the country.
A heightened state of tension is gripping the Middle East, with US warships closing in on Iranian waters. The situation has taken a turn for the worse following a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests that left thousands dead.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a warning to the United States and Israel, stating that they are "more ready than ever, finger on the trigger," according to General Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the IRGC. The warning comes as US President Donald Trump's administration continues to apply pressure on Iran over its nuclear program and human rights record.
Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran, setting two red lines for the use of military force: the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the mass execution of people arrested in the protests. However, there is no clear indication that the United States intends to take action at this stage.
The US Navy's aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, along with other warships, has been spotted in the Indian Ocean, sparking concerns about a potential military intervention. Trump claimed that "we have a massive fleet heading in that direction and maybe we won't have to use it," but an official from the US Navy said that the aircraft carrier was simply on routine deployment.
The Iranian government has reported 3,117 deaths during the protests, with 2,427 of those being civilians and security forces. However, activists believe that the real death toll is significantly higher, with estimates ranging as high as 5,137.
Meanwhile, European airlines have suspended some flights to the region due to the ongoing tensions. Air France has canceled two return flights from Paris to Dubai, while Luxair has postponed a flight from Luxembourg to Dubai by 24 hours.
The situation in Iran remains volatile, with widespread internet blackouts and increasing unrest continuing to fuel the crisis. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has reported over 27,700 arrests, with many more expected as information trickles out of the country.