Powerful Iranian hardliner warns of war expanding beyond Persian Gulf
One of Iran’s most powerful military leaders has flagged expanding the war with the US.
Mohsen Rezaei told CNN Iran would consider expanding the war beyond the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
Mohsen Rezaei is one of Iran's most powerful hardliners. AP
“We will give another dimension to the war by attacking these other American bases that we have been attacking so far,” he said.
“America will definitely suffer much more losses.”
Rezaei is a top advisor to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and a hardline senior member of the increasingly powerful Revolutionary Guard.
Rezaei’s comments offer little hope for a peace deal on favourable terms to the Americans.
He reiterated Iran’s claimed sovereignty on the Strait of Hormuz and demanded Iranian assets be unfrozen.
The Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) has been gaining strength in Iran since the beginning of the war, former Australian ambassador to Lebanon Ian Parmeter told nine.com.au.
“Essentially the main force running the country now appears to be the IRGC,” he said.
“They’re concerned with power rather than religious ideology.”
This morning Iran launched a series of drones towards the strait, US Central Command has said.
“Moments ago, CENTCOM forces shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones that were launched toward the Strait of Hormuz,” a statement from the military command said.
In this photo released by Tasnim News Agency, a Revolutionary Guard Navy (IRGC) speedboat approaches the cargo ship Epaminondas during what state media described as the seizure of one of two vessels accused of violations in the Strait of Hormuz, April 21, 2026 Meysam Mirzadeh/Tasnim News Agency via AP
“The attack drones posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic.
“US forces subsequently struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island to defend against further attacks.
“American forces remain vigilant and postured to respond to unjustified Iranian aggression in self-defence.”
Donald Trump, meanwhile, struck a bullish tone on the war.
“I’m moving very fast. I’m into three months, you know. Vietnam lasted 19 years. I’m into my third month,” he told NBC News.
Earlier this week the president said the Iran war was “not a big thing”.
“We have the highest stock market in history with a military conflict going on, or a war — some people call it war, some people call it a military — it’s not a big thing for us,” he said.
“We have a great military. It’s not a big thing for us.”
Donald Trump said the war with Iran was "not a big thing". AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein
Since his remarks, Wall Street has seen its biggest fall of the year.
Trump’s comments drew the ire of Democratic Colorado Senator Michael Bennett.
“The so-called ‘President of Peace’ says his Iran war is ‘not a big thing’,” Bennett said.
“Tell that to Colorado families choosing between gas and groceries and the loved ones of American troops facing Iranian fire overseas.”
The conflict between the US and Iran has now been going on more than three months.
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