US Attacks Iran Again as IRGC Readies Retaliation

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accused the US of violating Iranian airspace on Tuesday (26 May), asserting Iran’s right to retaliate. “The American military, with continuing provocative actions in the region, has violated Iranian airspace in the Persian Gulf,” the IRGC stated, as reported by Fars news agency. The IRGC affirmed its legitimate right to respond to any ceasefire violations by the US military. The IRGC also reported deploying air defence systems, shooting down an MQ-9 drone, and forcing F-35 aircraft and RQ-4 drones to leave Iranian airspace. (Ant/P-3) US President Donald Trump postponed military strikes on Iran to allow diplomatic space, with military personnel cancelling Memorial Day leave amid rising tensions. The Indonesian rupiah closed weaker at Rp17,382 per US dollar on Friday (8 May) due to heightened geopolitical tensions following US military action against Iran. Tehran has outlined its demands based on national interests and communicated them through a third party. Amid US-Israel attacks, Washington has opened channels for negotiations with Iran, with Trump pushing for an immediate peace deal. Iran has denied Trump’s claims regarding negotiations and threatened US allies. A Binance internal report revealed a $850 million secret payment network by Babak Zanjani to fund Iran’s military (IRGC) under US sanctions. The Trump administration has offered up to $15 million for information on Iran’s IRGC financial mechanisms to tighten economic sanctions. IRGC Air Force Commander Majid Mousavi stated that Iran’s missiles and drones are ready for use if ordered. The statement was made a day after Trump temporarily halted military operations under Project Freedom. The IRGC uncovered a cell of mercenaries in East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran, with hundreds arrested on charges of espionage and economic sabotage in Iran.