IRGC: America Will Face a Fate Similar to Saddam's if It Attacks Iran

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a warning to the United States, stating that if it attacks Iran, it will face a fate similar to that of Saddam Hussein, the former leader of Iraq. This statement was released on the occasion of Khorramshahr's liberation anniversary during the Iran-Iraq War, noting that Iran's armed forces have learned over three decades since the war that they 'must never fall into strategic negligence.' The U.S. has set 12 conditions for reaching a new nuclear agreement with Iran, one of which includes ending the ballistic missile program and any testing and production of nuclear-capable missiles, which Iranian officials and IRGC commanders have repeatedly rejected, emphasizing their unwillingness to negotiate on this matter. In its statement on Wednesday, the IRGC indirectly referred to Washington's withdrawal from the JCPOA, labeling the U.S. as a 'breacher of promises' and asserting that 'American leaders... have received the message that if they violate and attack Islamic Iran, they will not have a fate different from that of the executed Saddam.' Saddam Hussein's regime, which ruled Iraq for over two decades, was ultimately overthrown by the U.S. invasion in 2003. Saddam was executed in December 2006, but many analysts consider the U.S. invasion of Iraq a mistake by then-President George W. Bush, noting that one of its consequences was the rise of a Shia government and increased Iranian influence in Iraq. On Tuesday, Iran's Minister of Defense also reacted to the U.S. conditions, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic 'will not allow any country to interfere in Iran's defense and missile affairs.' Amir Hatami stated, 'Iran's defensive and missile capabilities are considered one of the essential components of deterrence, and we will strive to strengthen this defensive capability day by day.' The U.S. has threatened that if Iran does not accept its twelve conditions, it will face the most severe sanctions in history. Stopping Iran's support for the Houthis in Yemen, withdrawing Iranian-commanded forces from Syria, and halting uranium enrichment are among these conditions.