As U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran continue, Tehran on March 20 warned that “parks, recreational areas, and tourist destinations” worldwide could become potential targets for retalliation, raising concerns about a broader escalation of the conflict.
According to the Associated Press, Iranian military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi said in a statement on national television: “From now on, based on the information we have about you, even parks, recreational areas, and tourist destinations anywhere in the world will no longer be safe for you.”
The remarks came amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. Analysts say the statement signals the possibility that Iran could seek to expand the scope of the conflict beyond the Middle East.
Revolutionary Guard spokesman killed in airstrike
Iranian state television confirmed on March 20 that Ali Mohammad Naini, spokesperson and deputy head of public relations for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in what reports described as a U.S.-Israeli joint airstrike.
Naini’s death follows a series of reported strikes on senior Iranian officials in recent days. Iranian and international reporting have pointed to continued targeting of individuals linked to the country’s military and security apparatus.
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Hours before his death, Naini said Iran retained the capability to produce missiles despite ongoing military pressure.
“These people expect the war to continue until the enemy is completely exhausted,” he said. “This war must end when the shadow of war disappears from our nation.”
His comments were made in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has said Israel’s operations have been overwhelming successful in degrading Iran’s military capabilities, including its ability to manufacture and launch missiles.
Iran disputes claims over military losses
Naini also rejected U.S. reports that Iran’s naval forces had been neutralized, warning that any U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf would face risks.
“The Strait of Hormuz is entirely under the control of the Revolutionary Guard Navy, and Iran has full sovereignty over it,” he claimed.
U.S. officials have offered a different assessment. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Adm. Brad Cooper said American forces have targeted more than 100 Iranian vessels during the current round of operations and indicated that military actions are ongoing. The U.S. military has released footage showing strikes on Iranian vessels it says posed threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Reports indicate that the United States will imminently deploy ground forces to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains secure, while also urging allies to take a more active role in maintaining safe navigation.
Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom jointly condemned Iran’s “attempts to obstruct commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz” and urged Tehran to immediately halt such actions.
By Gao Yun
