IRGC calls US-Israel strikes 'cowardly', demands regional withdrawal

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement labeling the ongoing US-Israel military campaign 'cowardly' and stating that Washington and Israel must accept withdrawal of their 'vile and criminal presence' from the region, according to Al Jazeera's live coverage of the war.

Why this matters. The statement signals Tehran is hardening its public negotiating posture just as President Pezeshkian departs for UN talks in New York, reducing the near-term likelihood of a diplomatic opening at the UNGA session.