Tehran warns conflict could spread beyond Middle East
PUBLISHED May 20, 2026, 11:10 AM ET
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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned it will expand the current conflict beyond the Middle East if the United States or Israel resumes military operations against Iran, according to statements carried by state-affiliated media on Wednesday. The IRGC said any renewed U.S. aggression would face “crushing blows” in unexpected locations. The warning follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s disclosure that he halted a planned strike on Iranian targets roughly an hour before execution, after appeals from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for more time for diplomacy. Meanwhile, Pakistan, Russia and China are pursuing efforts to de-escalate tensions.
By Sidra | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Earlier this week Trump mulls Iran strike
- Earlier this week Gulf leaders urge restraint
- Earlier this week Trump halts planned strike
- Wednesday IRGC warns of expanded conflict
- Wednesday Pakistani minister arrives in Tehran
- Wednesday Russia and China issue condemnation
- Wednesday Ryabkov offers mediation assistance
- Currently regional tensions remain highly volatile
News Intelligence
- The conflict in the Middle East affects us all. Higher tensions can mean higher gas prices. It can also mean more of our troops overseas. Keep an eye on gas prices and troop deployment news.
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