The commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Major General Hossein Salami, vowed revenge against Israel, noting that “the Zionist entity is mistaken if it thinks that Hezbollah will exit the scene by assassinating its leaders,” and pledged to “continue providing “comprehensive support” to Hezbollah.”
Salami continued: “We tell the enemies that we will take revenge and you will receive painful blows, and wait for our response,” threatening Israel with revenge, saying: “We will take revenge on the Zionist entity, which will receive painful blows.”
He added that “Hezbollah is a great movement that cannot be suppressed or ended,” and he continued: “I say to the Israeli enemy that we have you in mind and we will fight until the end and we will not allow you to control the fate of Muslims.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted that “the Israeli army will strike Iranian oil fields if Tehran carries out its threat to launch another attack on Israel.”
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What are the key functions of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in regional conflicts?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Military Expert on Iranian Revolutionary Guard
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Sara Thompson, a renowned expert on Middle Eastern military affairs and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sara Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The recent developments regarding the IRGC have drawn significant international attention. Can you give us a brief overview of the current situation surrounding the Iranian military forces?
Dr. Thompson: Certainly. The IRGC has been at the forefront of Iran’s military and political strategy both regionally and globally. Recently, the commander of the IRGC has made a notable statement about their readiness to respond to any perceived threats, which reflects Tehran’s ongoing tensions with various international actors, particularly the United States and its allies.
Editor: That’s a critical point. How do the IRGC’s actions align with Iran’s broader geopolitical strategy?
Dr. Thompson: The IRGC is a key player in projecting Iran’s influence across the Middle East. By asserting their military capabilities and readiness to engage, they aim to deter adversaries and rally domestic support. This is particularly important as Iran continues to navigate sanctions and diplomatic isolation, using military posturing as a tool for both defense and deterrence.
Editor: It sounds like they’re using a strategy of strength to compensate for vulnerabilities. How does this impact the U.S. and its allies in the region?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. The IRGC’s aggressive stance presents a significant challenge. For the U.S. and its partners, it necessitates a calibrated response—balancing deterrence without escalating the situation into open conflict. This is especially crucial given the delicate political landscape in countries like Iraq and Syria, where Iran has a considerable influence through proxy groups.
Editor: You mentioned proxy groups. Can you elaborate on their role and how the IRGC utilizes them?
Dr. Thompson: Proxy groups are instrumental for the IRGC in extending Iran’s reach without direct confrontation. Groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and various militias in Iraq and Syria operate under the IRGC’s guidance. This allows Iran to exert influence while maintaining plausible deniability. However, these affiliations can also lead to conflicts with U.S. interests and allies in those regions.
Editor: It seems like a double-edged sword. As tensions escalate, what are the potential scenarios we might see in the coming months regarding military engagements?
Dr. Thompson: There are a few potential scenarios. One could be increased military skirmishes in areas like the Persian Gulf or Syria, where IRGC forces might clash with U.S. or allied forces. Another possibility is an increase in cyber warfare or asymmetric tactics, additional methods the IRGC employs to evade direct military engagement while still impacting their adversaries.
Editor: That sound most concerning. Lastly, Dr. Thompson, how does the Iranian public view the IRGC, and does this affect their operations?
Dr. Thompson: The IRGC commands a complex relationship with the Iranian public. On one hand, they are seen as defenders of the Islamic Republic; on the other hand, there is significant discontent over economic issues and governance. Ultimately, their operations are tailored not only to react to external threats but also to maintain their domestic legitimacy, ensuring they still hold power and support within Iran.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson. Your insights are invaluable as we try to navigate this complex situation. It’s clear that the IRGC continues to play a pivotal role not just in regional security, but in the overarching dynamics of global politics.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s an important topic that will continue to evolve, and I’m glad to share my thoughts.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for tuning in. Be sure to stay updated for more insights and analyses on global affairs here at Time.news.