Lead

Iran has issued a series of warnings that any US attack on its bridges, power plants, or other civilian infrastructure will be met with reciprocal strikes on US and allied infrastructure across the Middle East. The statements, from senior Iranian officials and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), come amid escalating tensions following US President Donald Trump's threats to destroy Iranian infrastructure in response to attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from Al Jazeera and TASS — English detail a coordinated Iranian messaging campaign across multiple channels. Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned on social media that "no infrastructure will be safe" unless Iran's security is guaranteed, according to Al Jazeera. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in separate phone calls with the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, said any "aggression" by the US and Israel would be met with a "decisive and proportionate response," as reported by Al Jazeera.

TASS — English, citing Iranian sources, reported that Iran's armed forces would deliver "reciprocal strikes" on US infrastructure in the Middle East if the US attacks bridges and power plants in Iran. The IRGC, in statements carried by TASS, warned of "harsh retribution" and "powerful strikes" against US facilities in the region if Washington follows through on its threats.

Key Claims

  • Reciprocal strikes on US infrastructure: A source cited by the Tasnim news agency, as reported by TASS, said that if the US strikes a bridge or power plant in Iran, Tehran will respond by striking infrastructure and energy sites in the region involving the US.
  • Trump's threat: US President Donald Trump has said that for every attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, the US will destroy one bridge or one power plant in Iran, according to TASS and Al Jazeera.
  • Ghalibaf's warning: Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in a post on X that "no infrastructure will be safe" unless Iran's security is guaranteed, and warned that "in a region where we do not sell oil, no one will sell oil," as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Araghchi's 'eye for an eye' doctrine: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran's defense doctrine follows the principle of "an eye for an eye," and that any aggression against Iran, including against its infrastructure, will compel a "powerful and decisive response," according to TASS.
  • Legitimate targets: Araghchi, speaking at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan, said any country that participates in or facilitates US aggression against Iran will be considered a "legitimate target" for Iran's armed forces, as reported by TASS.
  • IRGC warnings: The IRGC warned the US against targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran, threatening "extremely harsh retribution" and stating that Iran would carry out "even more devastating retaliatory strikes," according to TASS. The IRGC also said that if US threats are carried out, "the entire US infrastructure in the region" would be destroyed, leaving "no trace behind."
  • Comprehensive response: An Iranian official, quoted by Tasnim and reported by Al Jazeera, said Iran has prepared a comprehensive response to any US attacks, including vital US and Israeli infrastructure.
  • Casualties: Iran's Ministry of Health said US attacks since late last month have killed 53 people, including three children, and injured 590 others, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Perspectives

Iranian Government

Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have framed the escalation as a defensive response to US aggression. They have repeatedly warned that any attack on Iranian infrastructure will be met with reciprocal strikes, and that countries assisting the US will be considered legitimate targets.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

The IRGC has issued some of the most forceful warnings, threatening "harsh retribution" and "powerful strikes" against US facilities in the region. The IRGC has also declared the Strait of Hormuz a "red line" and warned against US interference in its control.

United States

US President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iranian bridges and power plants in response to attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while also expressing willingness to reach an agreement, according to TASS. US embassies across the Middle East have warned citizens to be prepared for "unforeseen escalation," as reported by Al Jazeera.