IRGC warns any renewed war on Iran would spill beyond Middle East

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned on Wednesday if the war on Iran resumes, it will not remain limited to the Middle East, as talks between Tehran and Washington aimed at reaching a permanent truce to the war have stalled.

In a statement carried by its affiliated Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC warned that “should aggression be repeated, the promised regional war will expand beyond the borders of the region," adding: "We are men of war, and you will see our power on the battlefield, not in empty statements and virtual pages.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to US President Donald Trump’s renewed threats of bombing by issuing his own warning, saying Iran’s armed forces had many “surprises” in store for US forces if Washington dared to attack his country again.

“Months after initiation of war on Iran, US Congress acknowledges loss of dozens of aircraft worth billions,” Araghchi said in a post on X early Wednesday. “With lessons learned and knowledge we gained, return to war will feature many more surprises,” he added.

The fresh remarks by Iran come amid heightened confrontation between Tehran and Washington following weeks of fragile ceasefire arrangements that have failed to produce a lasting political settlement. Both sides continue to exchange warnings while maintaining formal channels of negotiation.

On Tuesday, US Vice President JD Vance emphasized that diplomatic efforts are still underway but warned that military options remain on the table.

Trump has also recently intensified pressure on Tehran, telling reporters he had considered immediate military action but was temporarily holding back amid ongoing negotiations.

The US and Israel launched a massive aerial campaign on February 28, targeting more than 15,000 locations across Iran. Tehran responded by firing thousands of drones and missiles at nearly every Middle Eastern country before the two sides agreed to a ceasefire on April 8.

Direct negotiations between the two sides in Pakistan failed to produce any tangible progress, and there have been reports of sporadic drone and missile attacks across the Gulf Cooperation Council states and inside Iran, with no one claiming responsibility.