Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned on March 27, 2026, that people across the Middle East should vacate locations where United States forces may be present, signaling a broadening threat to strike sites where U.S. personnel are believed to be “hiding.” The warning came one day after President Donald Trump extended for a second time his ultimatum to target Iran’s power and energy infrastructure.
The Revolutionary Guard’s public relations office, in communiqué No. 48 on Operation True Promise 4, said it has a duty to eliminate “American terrorist forces and the usurping regime” wherever they are found, accusing them of indiscriminate killings of Iranian civilians and targeted assassinations. Addressing the “noble nations of West Asia,” it urged civilians to immediately leave areas where U.S. forces are stationed to avoid harm.
[The Guard] said it has a duty to eliminate “American terrorist forces and the usurping regime” wherever they are found.
Trump, on March 26, extended by a week and a half the deadline for potential U.S. strikes on Iranian energy plants. He presented the move as an opportunity for diplomacy, citing what he described as “progress” in indirect contacts, even as Tehran has publicly dismissed the idea of negotiations. The ultimatum remains tied to Iran’s conduct in the Strait of Hormuz: Failure to ease disruptions to shipping could still trigger attacks on critical energy infrastructure. Trump framed the extension as a limited concession, rather than a retreat, stressing that the military option remains on the table.
In a separate statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accused Trump of making misleading claims that Tehran had allowed vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. It said three container ships of different nationalities approached a designated corridor for authorized transit on the morning of March 27 but were turned back after a warning from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps–Navy. It added that any shipping “to or from” ports linked to allies and supporters of the “Zionist-American enemies,” regardless of route or destination, is prohibited.
These steps suggest Tehran is trying to tighten control over maritime transit in Hormuz as U.S. Marines and rapid-reaction forces move toward the region. Despite speculation that Trump faces an unwinnable confrontation and has lost control of events, it is possible the extension of the ultimatum is intended to allow additional forces to reach the Persian Gulf.
Axios reported that the administration is considering deploying an additional 10,000 troops to the region. About 7,000 ground forces are already en route, reinforcing the possibility of U.S. action to neutralize Iranian capabilities along the shores of Hormuz and on nearby islands.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ warning to regional populations indicates preparations that could put civilian areas at risk. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, citing a New York Times report, wrote: “From outset of this war, U.S. soldiers fled military bases in GCC to hide in hotels and offices. They use GCC citizens as human shield. Hotels in U.S. deny bookings to officers who may endanger customers. GCC hotels should do same.”
Saudi Arabia has urged the United States to intensify its military campaign and is weighing whether to join the conflict directly.
Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of parliament, wrote: “How can the U.S., which can’t even protect its own soldiers at its bases in the region and instead leaves them stashed away in hotels and parks, protect them on our soil?” He was referring to expectations that U.S. forces could land on Iranian territory.
Saudi Arabia has urged the United States to intensify its military campaign and is weighing whether to join the conflict directly, according to a Saudi intelligence source cited by The Guardian. The source confirmed earlier reporting that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has encouraged Trump to sustain and expand the war effort, describing it as a “historic opportunity” to reshape the Middle East. Trump appeared to acknowledge the crown prince’s role, telling reporters that “he’s a warrior” and aligned with the U.S. position.
Publicly, Tehran has rejected negotiations, while quietly it may be exchanging messages with Washington. Its official posture, however, points to little immediate prospect for a negotiated end to the war. Even if the United States succeeds in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing some of the economic and political costs, the conflict will continue.
