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29-01-2026
TEHRAN/ WASHINGTON: Iran has escalated its rhetoric as the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group moves closer to regional waters, with IRGC affiliated media issuing a direct warning to Washington. The statement claimed Iran has the capability to sink the aircraft carrier using “advanced hypersonic missiles” in the event of provocation, framing the message as a deterrent rather than an immediate threat. Such declarations, while often part of strategic signaling, reflect the heightened volatility in the region and the increasingly thin line between military posturing and real escalation.
President Donald Trump says in an interview the United States now has “a big armada next to Iran” but suggests Tehran’s leadership wants “to make a deal”.
Iranian authorities continue to warn of serious ramifications in case of US military strikes, as more people are arrested in connection with the deadly protests amid a lingering internet blackout.
The arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Middle East “is not going to affect Iran’s determination and seriousness to defend the Iranian nation”, the Foreign Ministry says.
An unnamed senior US official tells reporters during a call that Washington is “open for business” if the Iranians “want to contact us”.
Iran has summoned Italy’s ambassador following after plans were announced to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist” entity.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said earlier the “losses suffered by the civilian population during the protests demand a clear response”, referring to Iran’s crackdown on protesters over the last few weeks.
“I will propose, in coordination with the other partners (in the European Union), the inclusion of the Revolutionary Guards on the list of terrorist organizations as well as individual sanctions against those responsible for these heinous acts,” he said.
Russian and Chinese officials have discussed developments in Iran as concerns grow over a possible US attack.
Defence Minister Andrei Belousov spoke to his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun. Belousov said both will need “to constantly analyze the security situation and take appropriate action”.
Dong said China is ready to work with Moscow to enhance cooperation on the “risks and challenges” both countries see.
Russia and China cooperate closely on commercial and security issues and Iran is a significant ally to the two nuclear powers. However, one analyst said it’s unlikely Beijing and Moscow will join Tehran’s side if the United States strikes.
“China and Russia don’t want to go head-to-head with the US over Iran,” said Ellie Geranmayeh, a senior policy expert for the European Council on Foreign Relations think-tank. “They both have much higher priorities than Iran.”
Earlier, Iran has also summoned Italy’s ambassador following after plans were announced to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist” entity.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said earlier the “losses suffered by the civilian population during the protests demand a clear response”, referring to Iran’s crackdown on protesters over the last few weeks.
“I will propose, in coordination with the other partners [in the European Union], the inclusion of the Revolutionary Guards on the list of terrorist organizations as well as individual sanctions against those responsible for these heinous acts,” he said.
The European Union is set to target senior members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in a first volley of sanctions over the recent deadly crackdown on mass protests. (Int’l News Desk)
