Iran's Revolutionary Guard warns it is ready to target US facilities.
On the morning of May 10, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stern warning that it would target US facilities in the Middle East if Tehran's oil tankers continued to be attacked.
Any attack on Iranian oil tankers and commercial vessels would lead to a fierce retaliation targeting one of America's hubs in the region, as well as enemy ships..
Regional media, citing the latest IRGC statement, emphasized
This stern warning comes just one day after US fighter jets fired on and disabled two Iranian-flagged oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. Washington accused the ships of defying a maritime blockade, while an Iranian military official asserted that the country's navy immediately retaliated.
The incident has further fueled tensions in the Gulf, following clashes in the Strait of Hormuz on the morning of May 7th. However, the US firmly maintains that Iran's control of this vital oil shipping route is "unacceptable."
US President Donald Trump had expressed his expectation of receiving a response from Iran regarding his proposal to extend the ceasefire through Pakistani mediation by the evening of May 8th. In an interview with LCI (France) on May 9th, Trump said he was still expecting a response "very soon".
However, the reality is that trust between the two sides has hit rock bottom. In a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi bluntly questioned the US leadership: "The recent escalation of tensions caused by US forces in the Gulf and a series of ceasefire violations have increased doubts about Washington's motives and seriousness at the negotiating table."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also confirmed that the US proposal is still "under consideration".
Despite the stalemate, the US is still working to mobilize its allies. On May 9, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the Emir of Qatar – a key mediator – to discuss coordinated efforts to deter threats and promote security in the Middle East. Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance also held talks with the Qatari Prime Minister on peace-building efforts.
