Iran–US War Escalates: IRGC Declares Iran Ready for a Decade-Long Conflict with America
The conflict between Iran and the United States has entered a dangerous new phase as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East. On Monday, senior officials of Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that the country is prepared for a prolonged war with the United States that could last up to ten years.
The announcement comes amid dramatic political developments in Iran following the death of the country’s long-time Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The leadership transition has occurred at a time when Iran is already deeply involved in military confrontation with both the United States and Israel. Analysts say the developments could reshape geopolitical dynamics across the Middle East and beyond.
IRGC Warns of Long War with the United States
In a strong and highly provocative statement, Brigadier General Sardar Ibrahim Jabbari, a senior adviser to the commander-in-chief of the IRGC, warned that Iran is fully prepared for a prolonged confrontation with the United States.
Speaking to local media, Jabbari said that Iran has spent years strengthening its military infrastructure and strategic capabilities in anticipation of such a conflict. According to him, the Iranian armed forces have the resilience, manpower, and resources necessary to sustain a long war if required.
“We are fully prepared for a war that could continue for ten years,” he reportedly stated, signalling that Iran’s leadership believes the confrontation with Washington could become a prolonged geopolitical struggle rather than a short military engagement.
Mojtaba Khamenei Becomes Iran’s New Supreme Leader
Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Assembly of Experts convened an emergency session to decide on the country’s next Supreme Leader. After deliberations, the council selected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, to assume the powerful position.
The Assembly of Experts called upon Iranian citizens to pledge loyalty to the new leader and remain united during what it described as an extremely sensitive period for the nation.
Iran’s political establishment and military institutions have rapidly expressed their support for Mojtaba Khamenei. The IRGC issued an official statement declaring that it would fully obey the orders of the new Supreme Leader and would sacrifice everything necessary to protect the Islamic Republic.
Iranian Political Leaders Rally Behind New Leadership
Prominent Iranian politician Ali Larijani emphasised that Iran’s enemies had expected the country to fall into political chaos after the death of Ali Khamenei. However, he argued that the constitutional process for selecting the new leader demonstrated the strength and stability of the Iranian system.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian also welcomed the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, describing it as a reflection of the will of the Iranian people. In a statement posted on social media, the president said he believes the new leader will guide the country through the current crisis.
Observers say the swift consolidation of power around Mojtaba Khamenei indicates that the conservative faction within Iran’s political structure remains firmly in control.
Israel Launches Major Airstrikes Inside Iran
Meanwhile, the military situation in the region continues to intensify. Israeli defence forces have claimed responsibility for major airstrikes targeting Iranian military facilities.
According to Israeli officials, fighter jets destroyed several installations belonging to the IRGC, including a drone command headquarters believed to be responsible for launching unmanned aerial attacks against Israeli territory.
The strikes reportedly targeted drone storage sites and air defence systems within Iran, though Iranian authorities have not yet confirmed the full extent of the damage.
NATO Intercepts Missile Heading Towards Turkey
The conflict has begun to spill beyond the immediate battlefield. NATO confirmed that one of its missile defence systems successfully intercepted a ballistic missile heading toward Turkey.
Alliance spokesperson Allison Hart said NATO remains committed to protecting all member states and is prepared to respond decisively to any threats targeting allied territories.
The interception has heightened concerns that the war could draw additional countries into the conflict if hostilities continue to escalate.
Russia Signals Support for Tehran
Another significant geopolitical development came when Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming leadership of Iran.
The Kremlin indicated that Russia intends to maintain its strategic partnership with Tehran and will continue supporting Iran during the current crisis.
This statement has raised concerns in Western capitals that the Iran-US confrontation could evolve into a broader geopolitical standoff involving major world powers.
Global Oil Markets in Turmoil
One of the most immediate global consequences of the conflict has been a sharp rise in oil prices. Concerns about disruptions to Middle Eastern oil supplies have pushed international crude prices above $100 per barrel.
Brent crude recently climbed to around $104 per barrel, the highest level seen since the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.
Energy analysts warn that prices could surge even further if shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted. Some experts estimate that crude oil prices could potentially reach $200 per barrel under worst-case scenarios.
Impact on Global Economy
The rise in oil prices has already begun affecting global financial markets. Stock futures in the United States dropped as investors reacted to fears of prolonged instability in the Middle East.
At the same time, petrol prices in the United States have risen significantly, reaching an average of around $3.45 per gallon — nearly 16 percent higher than just a week earlier.
Economists warn that sustained high energy prices could increase inflation worldwide and slow down economic growth in many countries.
India Begins Planning Evacuation Routes
India has also begun taking precautionary measures to protect its citizens living in the region. The Indian embassy in Bahrain has announced plans to coordinate with Saudi authorities to allow Indian nationals to transit through Saudi Arabia while returning to India.
Officials said temporary transit visas valid for 72 to 96 hours may be issued to stranded travellers who have confirmed flight tickets back to India.
Embassy officials have advised Indian citizens to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the ongoing crisis.
Middle East Students Face Education Disruptions
The conflict has also affected education in the region. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced that Class 12 examinations scheduled in several Middle Eastern countries have been postponed.
Exams in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have been delayed until at least 16 March 2026 due to security concerns and the psychological stress faced by students.
War Casualties Continue to Rise
Casualty numbers from the conflict continue to climb. Reports indicate that more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran during recent attacks, while hundreds have died in Lebanon following Israeli strikes.
Iranian missile attacks on Israel have also caused fatalities and injuries, while several American soldiers have reportedly been killed in the ongoing hostilities.
Humanitarian organisations warn that the human cost of the war could increase dramatically if the conflict spreads further across the region.
What Comes Next?
With tensions escalating and multiple regional players becoming involved, analysts fear the Iran–US war could evolve into one of the most significant global conflicts of the decade.
The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, combined with the aggressive stance taken by the IRGC, suggests that Iran is preparing for a prolonged confrontation rather than a rapid diplomatic settlement.
For the international community, the coming weeks may prove crucial in determining whether diplomatic channels can prevent the crisis from expanding into a wider regional or even global conflict.
As military operations intensify and geopolitical alliances shift, the world continues to watch closely as the Middle East stands at the centre of a rapidly unfolding crisis.
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