Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stark warning to the United States on Monday, vowing to deliver an 'unforgettable lesson' in response to what it described as American aggression. In a formal statement addressed to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the IRGC declared that it regarded his message as 'a binding command, a divine covenant and a clear roadmap.' The pledge came as Tehran simultaneously signalled that a return to diplomatic negotiations could still be possible if its national interests are respected.
'Now, as criminal America has once again chosen the path of error, aggression, and adventurism, we remain committed to this pledge: we will deliver, with power, determination, wisdom, and authority, the unforgettable lesson that you promised,' the IRGC said. The statement added that this lesson would 'prevent any aggressor from repeating its mistakes, break the ambitions of any aggressor, and record in history the truth of the Iranian nation's unwavering will.'
The IRGC also stressed that it would 'never tie the destiny of this land to the promises of an enemy whose record is filled with broken commitments, deception, and hostility toward the Iranian people.'
Military Exchanges Continue
The declaration came as Iranian and US forces exchanged strikes for the ninth consecutive day. The US confirmed the deaths of at least three of its personnel, while Iran's Health Ministry reported that at least 50 people had been killed and more than 500 injured in US strikes on southern Iranian provinces since the start of July. For the first time, cities in northwestern Iran—Tabriz and Urmia—were targeted in the latest wave of attacks, resulting in at least one death and several injuries, according to Iranian state sources.
A Malta-flagged vessel caught fire in Omani waters, approximately 15 kilometres northwest of Kumzar, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency. IRGC-affiliated media claimed the ship was carrying Saudi oil bound for the United States and was using the southern approaches of the Strait of Hormuz. The fire remained unextinguished, and the vessel was drifting without power at the time of reporting.
Diplomatic Signals Amid Strikes
Despite the ongoing military exchanges, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that diplomacy remains open. He confirmed that intermediaries have exchanged messages with Iran in recent days and noted that Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni's visit to Islamabad was part of Tehran's response to those communications. Momeni, who has a background in the IRGC, may be carrying a message from President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding possible negotiations, according to Iranian media.
Mediators have reportedly sought a 10-day ceasefire to revive the framework deal, which was put on hold last week after an apparent resumption of all-out hostilities. Baghaei described diplomacy and military defence as 'two powerful pillars' for protecting Iran's national interests. He pointed to Article 5 of the interim deal, which grants Tehran a future role in discussions over Strait of Hormuz management with Oman and other regional countries, and noted that it contains no provision allowing the US to launch military action based on its own interpretation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran, 'or at least some people inside Iran,' wanted to control the strait and use it as leverage. 'We're always open to diplomacy. It has to be real. It has to be a deal that they're willing to live by,' he said before departing for the Philippines.
Iranian military officials have argued that fighting must continue until a new deterrence balance is established. Brigadier General Akrami-Nia stated, 'Rationality dictates that the war should continue until it reaches a point where it creates complete deterrence for the Iranian nation.' Parliament speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Washington of bad faith, saying, 'The Americans keep bringing new military equipment into the region while claiming they are seeking to end the war.'
President Pezeshkian said Iran had not withdrawn from any provisions of the framework deal and would stand 'until the last breath' in defending the country. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since the start of the war, described Trump's signature on the interim ceasefire agreement as 'worthless and invalid' in a message read out on state-run television.
For European observers, the escalating tensions in the Gulf carry significant implications for energy security and maritime trade routes. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for oil shipments, and any disruption could affect European economies. Meanwhile, the EU's broader geopolitical stance is reflected in recent moves such as Greece blocking EU sanctions on Russian LNG, highlighting the bloc's complex balancing act. As the situation develops, European capitals will be watching closely for any signs of de-escalation or further escalation.
