Iran-US Tensions: Washington Keeps ‘Maximum Pressure’ as Israel Urges Joint Action

The United States is continuing its “maximum pressure” policy toward Iran, State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said, as reports indicate that Israeli officials have urged Washington to join potential military action against Tehran.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he wanted to avoid using military force against Iran, even as tensions continued to rise. Tehran, meanwhile, warned that it would immediately strike US bases and aircraft carriers in response to any attack.

Trump had earlier warned of possible military action if protesters were killed during anti-government demonstrations that began in late December and peaked in early January. In recent remarks, however, he has shifted his focus to Iran’s nuclear programme, which Western powers believe is aimed at developing atomic weapons.

On Wednesday, Trump said “time is running out” for Iran to reach an agreement and warned that a US naval strike group in Middle Eastern waters was “ready, willing and able” to act.

Despite the heightened rhetoric, Trump said on Thursday that he planned to hold talks with Iran, even as the US deployed another warship to the region.

Tensions have escalated sharply following a violent crackdown by Iran’s clerical leadership on nationwide protests.

Iranian military spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia warned that Tehran’s response to any US action would be decisive and immediate. He said it would go beyond last June’s brief US involvement in Israeli air strikes against Iran.

Israel Pushes for Joint Action

Israeli officials have called on the United States to join renewed strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile programme. Intelligence sources told The New York Times that Iran has largely rebuilt its missile infrastructure after it was heavily damaged during a 12-day conflict last June.

Israel says Iran’s missile capabilities pose a serious threat to both civilian and military targets.

EU Labels IRGC a Terrorist Organisation

The European Union on Thursday designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organisation” following its role in suppressing recent protests.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the move “overdue,” saying it reflected the regime’s violent response to public dissent.

The 27-member bloc also approved visa bans and asset freezes on 21 Iranian institutions and officials, including the interior minister, the prosecutor general and senior IRGC commanders.

Iran condemned the decision, warning of “destructive consequences.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described it as a “major strategic mistake,” while the military accused the EU of acting under pressure from the United States and Israel.