Alerts

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Officials Threaten to Sink U.S. Naval Vessels

Leaders attempt to rally the Iranian public
Share this
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy destroyed a replica of a U.S. aircraft carrier
In 2015, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy destroyed a replica of a U.S. aircraft carrier. (Tasnim)

Table of Contents

The escalation of the current crisis in the U.S.-Iran conflict continues with public statements directed to the United States from Iran, and the United States announcing its intention to send 1,500 troops on “defensive missions” in the Middle East (not infantry, but engineers, anti-aircraft batteries, etc.) This follows the intensification of threats from Iran and suggests that the IRGCN (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy) is behind the strikes on Saudi tankers around the Fujairah port. Senior IRGC officials continue to threaten U.S. forces in the region. At the same time, diplomatic efforts by Iraq, Oman, and other Gulf States are attempting to dispel the tension between the parties. The Iranian foreign minister is visiting Iraq, and his deputy embarked on a visit to Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Gen. Morteza Qurbani, special adviser to the commander of the IRGC and previously advisor to the Iranian Chief of Staff on the lessons of the war with Iraq, warned that if the U.S. forces stationed in the region attempted any foolish steps, even the most minor, “We would send them to the depths of the sea by means of missiles and the newest secret weapon that we possess.”1 Qurbani served as the commander of the 25th Karbala Division of the Special Forces, which carried out several distinctive operations during the Iran-Iraq war.

In the same vein, Gholam Ali Rashid, head of the Khatam al-Anbiya command (the construction corps of the IRGC, responsible, among other things, for national infrastructure projects in Iran) warned, “The enemy will pay a heavy price” if it does not reckon the power of Iran correctly.

Qurbani
Qurbani: Fleets of aircraft carriers will be sent to the depths of the sea

Rashid added that it is impossible to discuss the security and stability of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz without taking into account Iran’s national interests, including oil exports. Rashid addressed the Majlis (Iranian parliament) as part of the commemoration of the liberation of the port of Khorramshahr (in May 1982 during Operation Beit ol-Moqaddas, or “Jerusalem”) during the Iran-Iraq War. The battle for Khorramshahr is considered one of the turning points of the war. Rashid stated that every attempt to threaten Iran’s stability is considered a failure from the outset.2

In a message to the Iranian people, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated that the Iranian people could stand up to U.S. sanctions by standing together. In this regard, he offered to hold a referendum according to Article 59 of the constitution3 on the issue of the economic hardships to break the deadlock that Iran now faces. (The media mocked him and criticized him for his offer.) Rouhani stressed that he was aware of the grim situation faced by the Iranian people and is concerned about the welfare of Iranians. The president assured the public that Iran holds full reserves of basic products. 

In the meantime, Iranian Foreign Minister Muhammad Javad Zarif arrived in Iraq – a possible broker between Iran and the United States – where he met with the prime minister and the parliamentary speaker to discuss the current crisis with the United States. On this issue, he reported that the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi had begun his visit to Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. He stressed that Oman served in the past as intermediary between the United States and Iran; eventually, those talks progressed into negotiations and the signing of the nuclear deal.

It should be added, Iran’s intelligence minister hinted at possible flexibility in Iran’s position when he called for “heroic flexibility.” This was a term used by the Iranian leader when he gave the “green light” in 2013 to begin negotiations between both countries on the nuclear issue.4

* * *

Notes

1 https://tinyurl.com/DeepSeaQorbani2505

2 https://tinyurl.com/y2b8evlz

3 Article 59 : “In considering vital economic, political, social, and cultural issues, it is possible that the legislative  power  be  exercised  through  referendum  or  reference  to  direct  public  vote.  The request to appeal to public votes must be approved by two-thirds of the entire representatives of the Assembly.”

4 http://jcpa.org/will-iran-display-heroic-flexibility-and-negotiate-with-the-united-states/

JCFA Iran-Syria Desk

Share this

Subscribe to Daily Alert

The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Related Items

Stay Informed, Always

Get the latest news, insights, and updates directly in your inbox—be the first to know!

Subscribe to Jerusalem Issue Briefs
The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Notifications

The Jerusalem Center
Canada investigating Israeli-Canadian IDF soldiers?
JCFA senior researcher, Amb. Alan Baker slams the probe as a “political PR stunt with no legal basis.” “This isn’t justice—it’s a betrayal. Canada is siding with PLO propaganda over facts.”
11:29am
The Jerusalem Center
What makes a child believe killing a #Jew is justified?

In PA textbooks, Jews are called liars and frauds; their fate: elimination. This is #indoctrination—not #education. But change is happening. On East to West, @IMPACT_SE CEO Marcus Sheff exposes how #UNRWA-funded schools are fueling extremism—and what real reform looks like.  Listen now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2JHqh973U  Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/8OkJTGNfVUc

11:43am
The Jerusalem Center
Highlights from the @Jerusalem_Post Annual Conference in NYC:

Dr. @Dan_Diker, President of the JCFA: “October 7 wasn’t just an attack on Israel — it was a blow to the U.S. on Israeli soil. It demands moral clarity and a united front between Israel and the U.S. to defeat jihadist terror.”

2:20pm
The Jerusalem Center
@XAVIAERD says it like it is

Well, @XAVIAERD says it like it is: If you’re part of “#Queers for #Palestine,” he’ll pay for your flight to #Gaza. Go see for yourself how they treat LGBTQ+ people over there. Don’t miss this bold take on the Israel-Hamas war and the woke right.

2:32pm
The Jerusalem Center
“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.”

“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.” On Our Middle East by @JNS_org, @Dan_Diker@KhaledAbuToameh (JCFA/@GatestoneInst) break it down: If Hamas isn’t crushed, Iran wins. The jihadis—from #Gaza to your campus—get the green light. Diker: “This war is for the West.” No fluff. No filters. Just raw insight from two insiders who actually know what’s going on.  Watch: youtu.be/4Aq_zcbb4Yo

2:15pm
The Jerusalem Center
5/5 Lt. Col. Kalo on East to West with @smartinezamir:

“This operation showcases Israel’s strategic intelligence superiority both regionally and globally. It demonstrates the moral commitment to recovered soldiers and also strengthens Israel’s position with allies.” youtube.com/watch?v=nIvNNi

2:07pm
The Jerusalem Center
4/5 The operation built on intelligence gathered during the 2019 #Baumel recovery

#Mossad agents operated under cover in #Syria for years, visiting a graveyard multiple times under fire to collect remains for DNA matching. The intelligence community’s evolution combines technology, big data analysis, and human intelligence capabilities.

2:02pm
The Jerusalem Center
3/5 This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander

This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from #Hamas in #Gaza, significantly boosting national morale amid an ongoing conflict now stretching over 18 months. The dual successes demonstrate #Israel‘s unwavering commitment to bringing all soldiers home.

1:58pm
The Jerusalem Center
2/5 The operation used the power vacuum following #Assad’s fall from #Damascus

Lt. Col. Avi Kalo, former head of IDF Prisoners & Missing Persons Division, calls it “an outstanding event that brings hope and new spirit to the people of Israel.” The operation utilized the power vacuum following #Assad‘s fall from #Damascus, allowing #Israeli intelligence to deploy ground capabilities in #Syria.

1:56pm
The Jerusalem Center
1/5 Israeli forces recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi Feldman

In an unprecedented operation, Israeli forces have recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi #Feldman, missing since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub. The complex #Mossad mission was conducted deep within #Syrian territory, 43 years after his disappearance. This follows the successful 2019 recovery of Zachary #Baumel from the same battle.

1:54pm
The Jerusalem Center
A molotov attack on a bus = a “barbecue party”?

That’s what #Palestinian kids are being taught under @UNRWA  — from grade school to graduation. This isn’t education. It’s indoctrination. Marcus Sheff of @IMPACT_SE  breaks it down with @smartinezamir

12:51pm

Close