Iran threatened on Thursday to strike "immediately" U.S. bases and aircraft carriers in the event of an attack by the United States.

Iran has threatened to respond "immediately" against American bases and aircraft carriers in the event of an attack from the United States, escalating tensions in the region. The European Union has added pressure by designating the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization, accusing them of violently suppressing internal protests. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, condemned the Iranian regime for the violence against its own people. Additionally, Iranian officials have promised a "crushing" response and warned that the Middle East does not need a new war. Despite the threats, diplomatic avenues are not completely exhausted, and Iran has engaged in negotiations with Gulf countries to avoid military escalation.