Iran warns of lethal response as US deploys aircraft carriers to Middle East

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned on Saturday, 3 October, that it is prepared to launch a military response "more lethal" than its October 2024 missile strike on Israel if the United States or regional allies intervene in the current conflict. The threat, reported by Mehr News, comes as the U.S. accelerates military deployments to the Middle East, including a third aircraft carrier and 9,000 additional troops scheduled to arrive by November. Military Escalation and Diplomatic Fallout The IRGC stated it has "its finger on the trigger" and possesses comprehensive intelligence on U.S. and Israeli assets. This warning follows reports that the U.S. is considering ground operations in Iran following the upcoming November midterm elections. Currently, the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group are moving toward the region, which will bring the total U.S. presence to three carrier strike groups and two amphibious groups within weeks. The escalation has triggered global economic safeguards. The International Energy Agency (IEA) confirmed on Saturday that member countries have released 325 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves to date. This follows a Friday agreement by G7 nations to immediately release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil to stabilize markets volatile from the U.S.-Iran conflict. Regional Strikes and Civilian Impact In southern Saudi Arabia, the Saudi-led coalition intercepted three Houthi-launched…