TEHRAN, IRAN — In a sharp and ominous shift in military rhetoric, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force has declared a new phase of engagement against the United States and Israel. Following the devastating Friday strikes on Iran’s nuclear and industrial sectors, the current commander has warned that Tehran’s retaliatory doctrine has moved beyond proportional response.
Command Update: Brigadier General Majid Mousavi
While many initial reports attributed recent statements to the well-known Amir Ali Hajizadeh, it is important to note that Brigadier General Majid Mousavi currently leads the Aerospace Force. Mousavi was appointed to the position on June 13, 2025, following the death of his predecessor, Hajizadeh, in an Israeli airstrike.
Despite facing internal criticism regarding his presence on the front lines, Mousavi issued the following warning on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on March 27, 2026:
“You tested us once before; the world saw again that you yourselves started playing with fire and attacking infrastructure. This time, the equation will no longer be an eye for an eye. Just wait.”
Strategic Shift: Threatening Regional Infrastructure
The “no longer an eye for an eye” warning signals that Iran may now target high-value civilian and commercial assets in neighboring countries that it perceives as supporting the U.S.-Israeli campaign.
Immediate Actions & Threats:
- Evacuation Order: The IRGC issued an urgent “advisory” to employees of industrial companies in the Persian Gulf region that have American shareholders or collaborate with Israel, telling them to leave their workplaces immediately.
- Identified Targets: State-affiliated media, including Tasnim News Agency, published a list of potential targets, specifically naming steel plants and energy facilities in:
- Saudi Arabia
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- The 1-km Rule: Residents living within a one-kilometer radius of these industrial sites have also been advised to evacuate.
Timeline of Recent Aggression
The Aerospace Force’s warning follows a series of heavy strikes on the 28th day of the conflict:
- Steel Plants: Strikes on Mobarakeh Steel (Isfahan) and Khuzestan Steel (Ahvaz), crippling Iran’s industrial output.
- Nuclear Sites: Targeting of the Ardakan yellowcake plant in Yazd and the Khondab heavy water complex in Arak.
- Casualties: At least 1,937 people have been killed in U.S.-Israeli attacks since the war began on February 28, according to Iran’s Ministry of Health.
Diplomatic Deadlock
This escalation occurs as Pakistan attempts to bridge the gap with a 15-point U.S. ceasefire proposal. While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted “indications of a willingness to talk” from Tehran, the IRGC’s latest “playing with fire” rhetoric suggests a significant disconnect between Iran’s diplomatic channels and its military leadership.
| Key Figure | Status / Role |
| Majid Mousavi | Current IRGC Aerospace Commander (Appointed June 2025) |
| Amir Ali Hajizadeh | Former Commander (Deceased June 2025) |
| Ishaq Dar | Pakistani Foreign Minister (Lead Mediator) |
| Donald Trump | U.S. President (Issued 10-day “energy strike” pause) |
