"Southern neighbors should be aware that they must prepare to bid farewell to oil production in West Asia if they allow the United States to use their territory and resources to attack Iran", stated General Majid Mousavi, commander of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He delivered this message during a parade in Tehran on the evening of 21/4.
General Mousavi accused several Gulf nations of repeatedly permitting "Iran's enemies" to use their territory against Iran. He warned that the "economic lifeline" of these countries would face serious risk if such actions persist.
General Mousavi further stated that the "target list" would expand beyond military facilities to include major oil fields and refineries in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.
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Black smoke rises over Doha, Qatar on 1/3, reportedly from an Iranian strike on an industrial area. *Photo: AFP*
The IRGC official's statement came hours before a two-week ceasefire agreement with the US expired. Images released by Iran's national radio and television broadcaster (IRIB) showed the IRGC displaying ballistic missile launchers during the Tehran parade on the night of 21/4, signaling its readiness to retaliate if conflict resumes.
The IRGC Aerospace Force controls Iran's strategic arsenal, which includes ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and suicide drones. These weapons were prominently deployed by Iran during six weeks of conflict with the US and Israel, prior to a ceasefire agreement reached on 7/4.
IRGC parades ballistic missile launchers during a pro-government event on the night of 21/4 in Tehran. *Video: IRIB*
US President Donald Trump unilaterally announced on the afternoon of 21/4 an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, following a request from mediator Pakistan.
He stated the decision aimed to enable Iran's "severely divided government" to present a unified proposal for a second round of negotiations, anticipated in Islamabad. However, the US leader affirmed the continuation of the blockade on all Iranian ports and ordered US military readiness if required.
By Thanh Danh (CNN, PressTV)
