Trump warns he'll Destroy IRGC and finish Iran as US strikes intensify

President Donald Trump has refused to rule out destroying Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), warning Tehran he will "finish" the regime if it refuses to agree to a peace settlement.

His comments came as the United States intensified military operations against Iran for a fifth consecutive day, with American forces expanding airstrikes while enforcing a naval blockade aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran.

Trump refuses to rule out crushing IRGC

Asked whether he was prepared to dismantle the IRGC in the same way his administration destroyed ISIS during his first term, Trump made clear that every option remains on the table.

"Yeah, it does," he replied when asked if that included eliminating the elite military force. "We'll see what's happening."

The president also predicted Iran would soon be forced into submission.

"We'll have Iran defeated soon. They'll be defeated very soon," Trump said during remarks in Pennsylvania.

White House says Iran wants talks

Despite the escalating military campaign, Trump claimed Iranian officials had contacted his administration seeking another round of peace negotiations.

The White House maintains that the strikes are designed to force Tehran to accept the conditions of a proposed peace agreement, with several administration officials accusing hardliners within the IRGC of blocking previous ceasefire efforts.

Vice President JD Vance reinforced that message, saying the objective of the military campaign was to pressure Iran back to the negotiating table rather than pursue an open-ended conflict.

US expands military campaign

Wednesday marked the fifth straight day of American strikes against Iranian military targets.

US Central Command said operations were focused on degrading Iran's ability to threaten international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

"The strikes are targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels freely transiting through the Strait of Hormuz," the military said.

The strategic waterway remains central to the conflict, carrying around one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil supplies.

Trump raises threat of broader attacks

The president also indicated the campaign could widen further if Iran refuses to negotiate.

Speaking earlier this week, Trump warned that Iranian energy facilities and critical infrastructure could become future targets.

He suggested oil facilities would be attacked later in the campaign while also raising the possibility of striking heavily fortified sites linked to Iran's nuclear programme, including the underground complex at Pickaxe Mountain.

Trump also floated the prospect of taking control of Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export terminal, as part of efforts to cripple Tehran's energy exports.

Oil prices rise as conflict deepens

The renewed fighting has already begun affecting global energy markets.

Oil prices climbed towards $80 a barrel as hopes for a negotiated settlement faded and concerns grew over the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

With American airstrikes continuing, Iran threatening retaliation and both sides hardening their positions, the conflict that began in late February has now entered its fifth month with no clear end in sight.

SOURCE

As long as Trump remains in the White House there will be no end to this war and if ever he is stupid enough to send American troops into Iran a lot of Americans are going to die for nothing other than his self inflated ego.