IRGC Navy cmdr.: Any attack on Iran’s interests will be met with firm response

The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has warned that any threats of military aggression against the Islamic Republic will be met with a resolute response.

Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri made the remarks during an interview with Lebanon’s Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news channel on Friday evening, as President Donald Trump threatened Iran with “very bad” repercussions if it does not reach a deal with the US on its nuclear program.

“We do not seek war and do not wish for it. However, if the enemy tries to harm our interests or attack our people, they must know we will respond,” Tangsiri stressed.

He added that Iran possesses the military capability to strike enemy bases anywhere, noting that any geographical location from which an attack is launched on the country will be targeted in return.

“If our vessels are attacked, we will undoubtedly respond in kind. If they confiscate our ships, we will seize theirs. No one can hit us and run away. Even if we have to chase them to the Gulf of Mexico, we will do so,” the IRGC Navy commander said.

Tangsiri highlighted that Iran will not bow to pressure or threats and will not allow Trump or anyone else to impose their will on the Islamic Republic.

On the possibility of blocking the strategic Strait of Hormuz, he stated that the decision on the matter rests with high-ranking officials, and that his forces would be responsible for carrying out such an order if given.

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The senior Iranian military commander also dismissed the significance of Trump’s message and threats, saying, “I have no knowledge of Trump’s message, nor do I care to analyze it. I hear his threats, I observe his actions, and I prepare myself to counter them.”

Tangsiri categorically rejected any possibility of Iran engaging in negotiations over its missile program and support for resistance groups across the region.

He added that Iran supports resistance movements because it defends the oppressed; however, it does not impose its will on the groups.

The IRGC Navy commander emphasized that Yemen is not under Iran’s tutelage, as it has its own independent army and leader.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Tangsiri underlined that Iran seeks peaceful relations with its neighbors, assuring that Tehran does not pose a threat to other regional nations.

“We always extend a hand of friendship to the countries in the region. As Muslims, we do not pose any threat to our neighboring countries,” he said.

Tangsiri noted that Iran invited Arab countries to participate in military exercises, pointing to the presence of representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, and Kuwait in the drills.

The IRGC Navy chief also expressed Tehran’s readiness to stage joint exercises with Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

He pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman is a brotherly and friendly state, and Iran holds military exercises with it regularly.

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