The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Monday announced that it had destroyed the headquarters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), describing the operation as cutting off the “head of the snake.”
In a statement shared on X, CENTCOM said the large-scale strike targeted key IRGC infrastructure. It added that the United States possesses “the most powerful military on earth” and claimed that the IRGC no longer has a functioning headquarters.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is one of Iran’s most influential military institutions and plays a central role in the country’s defense and regional operations.
Missile and Drone Exchanges Intensify
The announcement comes amid continuing missile and drone exchanges across West Asia and the Gulf region. Air raid sirens and reported explosions were heard in multiple cities, including Tehran.
The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran over the weekend, escalating tensions across the region. Iran has since vowed retaliation, launching missiles and drones targeting US bases and regional installations.
Explosions have been reported in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Israel, according to regional reports.
Trump Signals Weeks of Continued Operations
US President Donald Trump indicated that the military campaign could continue for several weeks.
In media interviews, Trump suggested that operations were initially planned for four to five weeks, stating that sustaining the campaign would not be difficult due to US military preparedness and global ammunition reserves.
At the same time, Trump said that Iran’s leadership had expressed interest in dialogue and that he was open to talks, though no specific timeline or representatives were disclosed.
Iran Vows Retaliation
Iranian officials condemned the strikes and described the situation as a grave escalation. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran considers it its legitimate right to respond to what he termed an act of aggression.
Senior Iranian leaders have warned of strong retaliation, while the IRGC announced additional “large-scale” responses targeting US interests in the region.
Oman Urges De-escalation
Amid mounting tensions, Oman’s foreign ministry confirmed diplomatic outreach aimed at de-escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly conveyed openness to serious efforts to restore stability and halt further escalation.
Oman has historically played a mediating role between Washington and Tehran, and renewed diplomatic engagement may become critical if the conflict intensifies.
Regional Stability at Stake
The unfolding crisis has heightened concerns over broader regional instability, energy supply disruptions, and global economic repercussions. With missile exchanges continuing and diplomatic efforts underway, international stakeholders are closely monitoring developments.
The situation remains fluid, with military operations ongoing and diplomatic channels simultaneously being explored.
