During a July interview, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi explained that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked neighboring countries to pressure the United States and deter attacks on Iranian infrastructure. With President Donald Trump again threatening attacks on Iran’s energy centers, Iran returns to the same tactic. On August 1, 2026, Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya base, warned, “With foresight, Muslim countries should observe America’s crimes and reconsider cooperation and partnership with America. Otherwise, any country that makes itself criminal and invasive America’s defense shield will burn in the war’s fire.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will use all of its tools for the natural right of legitimate defense.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs likewise issued a statement, accusing the United States of reneging on the Memorandum of Understanding. The statement mentioned that the three ships Iran attacked were transiting through an “unsafe and illegal” path in the Strait of Hormuz, though firing at ships does not imply concern for safety. The statement declared, “The Islamic Republic of Iran will use all of its tools for the natural right of legitimate defense.”
Araghchi called his Saudi and Turkish counterparts and the Pakistan Army Chief of Staff Asim Munir to warn that Iran will meet any American attacks with regional retaliation, but he saved his direct threats for the Saudis: “Any regional country’s cooperation or partnership [with the United States and Israel] will meet [Iran’s] capable armed forces’ definitive and proportionate answer.”
Iran is also publicizing Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s plea, asking Iran, “Do not attack us for the sake of the Prophet.” Esmaeil Bagahei, Foreign Ministry spokesman, rebuked the plea. Reciting the Qur’anic verse, “And do not incline toward those who do wrong,” Baghaei questioned Hamad’s faith. “It is fitting to assess their own conduct [against Muhammad’s] before they advise others,” adding, “Is partnering with forces that are invading another Muslim country militarily not a clear violation of the Qur’an?” Baghaei also pointed to Bahrain’s hosting American military bases as another religious violation.
Iran’s threats go beyond the Middle East. Encouraged by the regime’s strategic victory, Araghchi also threatened his new British counterpart, David Miliband. According to Iranian outlets, Araghchi mentioned the previous administration’s designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and told his counterpart to “reconsider” the United Kingdom’s approach. Araghchi also said that allowing the United States to use British territory would make the United Kingdom a legitimate target. Miliband responded that this is a new administration, and that the United Kingdom is not a part of the war.
Ebrahim Rezaei, a member of the parliament’s National Security Committee, tweeted, “Our response to any potential enemy attack will not be limited to the Persian Gulf region; we will respond to all enemy bases and to the origin of the attacks from anywhere.”
“Our response to any potential enemy attack will not be limited to the Persian Gulf region.”
The Telegraph reported on July 31, 2026, that the United States and Israel discussed a “land blockade.” Iran boasts that its geography makes a total siege impossible. Locking Iran within its borders, if implemented, could be a challenge that Iran is unprepared to meet.
While Iranians have reposted that story, both Iran’s military and foreign ministry remain silent. Manuchehr Mottaki, Araghchi’s predecessor and an adviser to the supreme leader, albeit one without much influence, is the only official to comment, suggesting that a ground siege means exerting pressure on Iraq and Pakistan to close their borders to Iran. Fararu and Fars News have also provided commentary on the story, though without much sense of direction. The silence of key figures and the websites connected with the decision-makers could be a hint that Iran is taking the threat seriously and examining its options.
Meantime, Iran appears confident that it can survive an escalation. It is currently conducting an aggressive diplomatic offensive to fend off attacks on its key infrastructure. In his interview, Araghchi said that Iran did not go hard against the infrastructure of its neighbors because it hoped threats would be enough. If Iranian power and oil facilities are set on fire, however, Araghchi is likely not bluffing: Iran will seek to ensure that Arab states suffer the same fate.
