The US administration has sent urgent warnings to governments of various countries about a high risk of possible Iranian attacks on their territories. According to diplomatic sources, Washington has launched a large-scale diplomatic campaign aimed at undermining Tehran's military and operational capabilities abroad. American diplomats were instructed to inform foreign governments that Iran has demonstrated "real intent and capability" to attack American and Israeli interests, including targets inside the US and other states.
As part of this campaign, the US State Department issued an internal directive signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with instructions for diplomatic and consular missions. They were tasked with persuading allies to officially recognize the Корпус стражей исламской революции (IRGC) and the Lebanese organization Hezbollah as terrorist groups. According to the document dated March 16, Washington set a deadline of March 20 to deliver these messages to the senior officials of foreign governments.
These actions are part of President Donald Trump's broader strategy to increase pressure on Iran's military structures. The directive particularly emphasizes the need for close coordination with Israeli diplomats in efforts to put the IRGC and Hezbollah on "blacklists." Observers note that such diplomatic escalation reflects Washington's desire to create a unified international front to undermine Iranian influence.
American pressure extends not only to traditional allies but also to China. President Trump said he might postpone the upcoming summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to increase pressure on Beijing and push it to contribute to securing the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian threats. Trump also warned NATO of a "very bad future" for the alliance if allies do not provide the necessary assistance to protect this strategic waterway, through which China receives about 90% of its oil needs.
Comments on the news
- What is the role of the Корпус стражей исламской революции inside Iran and beyond, aside from purely military functions? - The Корпус стражей исламской революции (IRGC) is one of the most influential institutions in Iran, performing many non-military functions. Inside the country, the IRGC controls a significant portion of the economy through its subsidiaries and foundations, handles internal security and ideological indoctrination, and has its own intelligence units. Abroad, the IRGC, through its Quds Force special unit, supports allied movements and governments (for example, in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen), thereby creating zones of Iranian influence. Essentially, the IRGC serves as the main instrument for defending the Islamic Republic both at home and abroad, reporting directly to the Supreme Leader.
- Why is the Strait of Hormuz such a critical flashpoint in relations between Iran, the US and their allies? - The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime corridor through which about 20–30% of the world's oil trade passes, including exports from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Iran itself. Its strategic importance makes it a natural lever of pressure. For Iran, the strait is a matter of national sovereignty and a card in the geopolitical game: Tehran has repeatedly stated its readiness to close it in extreme circumstances (for example, attempts to completely block Iranian oil exports). For the US and its allies (especially the Gulf states), free passage through the strait is vital for global economic stability and energy security. Thus, the strait has become a symbol of a fragile balance where any escalation could lead to serious economic and military consequences.
Full version: واشنطن تحذر من هجمات إيرانية وتضغط لتصنيف الحرس الثوري وحزب الله منظمتين "إرهابيتين"