As President Donald Trump warned Iran of running out of time and the European Union (EU) designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group, Iran has threatened to immediately attack U.S. military bases and aircraft carriers if any attack occurs.

As the EU and the U.S. have taken a hard line against Iran, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to engage in nuclear negotiations "to avoid a crisis that could have devastating consequences for the region."

According to AFP, Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia stated in an interview with state television that U.S. aircraft carriers have "serious vulnerabilities" and that numerous U.S. military bases in the Gulf region are "within the range of our medium-range missiles."

He added, "If the United States makes such a miscalculation, it will not unfold as Trump imagines, with a swift operation and a tweet two hours later announcing the end of the operation."

An official in the Gulf region, where U.S. military bases are located, told AFP that concerns about a potential U.S. attack on Iran are "very clear."

"This would plunge the region into chaos, negatively impacting not only the regional economy but also the U.S. economy, and causing oil and gas prices to skyrocket," the official added.

Qatar's leader, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call to discuss "efforts to de-escalate tensions and establish stability," according to Qatar News Agency (QNA).

Meanwhile, the European Union has increased pressure by designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a "terrorist organization" citing its violent crackdown on recent large-scale protests.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the decision, stating it is "right to call the regime a 'terrorist' that douses its citizens' protests in blood," and that the decision, "though late," was welcomed.

Although largely symbolic, the EU's decision has already provoked a warning from Tehran.

The Iranian military condemned the EU's action as "illogical, irresponsible, and malicious," claiming the EU acted in "subservience" to the U.S. and Israel, Tehran's greatest adversaries.

Iranian officials have blamed these two countries for the recent wave of protests, alleging their spies transformed peaceful demonstrations, fueled by economic grievances, into "riots" and "terrorist operations."

Human rights groups have stated that security forces, including the IRGC, have killed thousands of people during the crackdown on protests.

AFP reported on Thursday that Tehran residents expressed grim resignation. One citizen said, "I think war is inevitable and change must happen."

Another female citizen remarked, "Life has its good times and bad times, and we are going through the hardest period now."

President Trump mentioned nuclear negotiations, but did not limit the scope of negotiations to nuclear issues. It appears he fundamentally has regime change in mind.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) stated it confirmed 6,373 deaths from the protests, with confirmation delayed due to internet access restrictions imposed on January 8.

However, human rights groups warn that the actual number of fatalities is likely much higher, with estimates reaching tens of thousands.

By Sung Ku Hong, Chief Correspondent, NNP USA / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com