According to Iranian media, attacks near the central city of Isfahan damaged a building linked to the Russian Consulate. Following the incident, Russia called on all sides to ensure the safety of diplomatic missions and staff, stressing that embassies and consulates must never become part of the battlefield.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stark warning. Its spokesperson, Ali Mohammad Naeini, said Iran could halt oil exports from the region if the attacks continue.
‘Our forces have decided that not a single liter of oil will leave this region as long as aggression continues,’ he said, suggesting that Tehran is ready to widen the conflict if necessary. The warning carries serious weight because the nearby Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital energy routes. Any disruption there could ripple through global markets almost overnight.
Naeini also rejected claims made by Donald Trump that Iranian military capabilities had been weakened. He argued that Iran’s missile operations remain active and are becoming more powerful, with some missiles carrying warheads weighing more than a ton.
According to the IRGC spokesperson, Iranian forces have also destroyed several advanced U.S. radar systems in the region and shot down multiple American drones. He further claimed that U.S. military assets have moved far from Iranian territory due to the threat posed by Iranian missiles and drones.
Naeini also accused Israel of placing military equipment among civilian areas, saying this tactic turns residential neighborhoods into ‘human shields.’ As the situation grows more tense, attention is turning toward the expected arrival of the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in the region, a move widely seen as a show of force.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, President Donald Trump said earlier this week that the conflict with Iran could end soon. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled that diplomacy is no longer on the table for now.
Speaking about the possibility of talks with Washington, he said Iran’s past experience with nuclear negotiations left “a bitter taste,” making trust difficult to rebuild.
For now, the region stands at a tense crossroads. Military threats, political statements, and economic pressure are all colliding and the next move from any side could reshape the balance of power in the Middle East.
