Iran Guards warn of war beyond Mideast as Trump repeats threats

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a stark warning on Wednesday that any repeat of US-Israel attacks would trigger a regional war extending far beyond the Middle East, with devastating consequences for the aggressors. The statement, posted on the Guards’ Sepah News website, claimed that despite previous strikes by the world’s two most powerful militaries, Iran had not yet deployed its full capabilities. US President Donald Trump reiterated his threats of renewed military action against Iran unless a deal is secured, stating on Tuesday that negotiations were progressing but that Iran was in a weakened position. Trump suggested the US might deliver ‘another big hit’ if talks fail, while Vice President JD Vance emphasized that the military remained ‘locked and loaded.’ Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Interior Minister arrived in Tehran for a second visit in less than a week, signaling ongoing diplomatic efforts to formalize a ceasefire. The April 8 ceasefire halted direct hostilities but left unresolved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route accounting for a fifth of global oil and gas trade. With pre-war oil stockpiles depleted, rising fuel prices have sparked unrest, including protests in Kenya, where four people died and over 30 were injured amid transport disruptions tied to soaring energy costs. Iran’s warning followed Trump’s claims that the US held the upper hand in negotiations, with Tehran allegedly ‘begging’ for a deal. The stalled talks risk further economic strain, as global markets brace for potential disruptions to energy supplies. Diplomatic sources confirmed Pakistan’s role in mediating, though no breakthrough has been announced. The escalating rhetoric contrasts with sporadic violence and ongoing diplomatic exchanges, leaving the fate of the Strait of Hormuz—and global energy markets—hanging in the balance.