IRGC Publishes Open Letter to US Public Detailing War Claims

Military Claims and War Objectives Outlined by the IRGC

According to the IRGC letter, the latest war began seven months after the United States launched a strike against Iran. The document states that a strike on an elementary school in Minab killed 168 children and that an attack on the office of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, killed him and several family members, including his 14-month-old grandson. The IRGC reports that more than 3,600 people have died in Iran during the conflict, mostly civilians, including about 400 children. Eight universities, three hospitals, and eight schools were also targeted, based on the published figures.

The IRGC outlines two initial US-led goals: changing the government of the Islamic Republic and partitioning Iran. Following those, the letter claims 13 additional objectives emerged during the war, ranging from forcing unconditional surrender and seizing Kharg Island and Iranian oil to destroying energy infrastructure, nuclear and missile industries, and the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC states that while US and Israeli strikes damaged parts of Iran’s nuclear industry and air defense facilities, the declared political and military goals were not achieved.

Strategic Outcomes and Results Claimed by Tehran

In military terms, the IRGC claims to have destroyed more than 200 strategic drones, 12 tanker and transport aircraft, 30 fighter jets, at least one AWACS aircraft, dozens of helicopters, numerous radar and air defense systems, and over 350 US military base facilities. The operational capability of 18 US bases in the region is near zero, according to the letter. The IRGC states it gained operational control of the Strait of Hormuz for the first time, forcing the US fleet to withdraw toward the Indian Ocean.

Socially and politically, the letter asserts the war strengthened Iran’s national unity, boosted missile and drone production, and reinforced air defense capabilities. The IRGC addresses the system of Velayat-e Faqih, arguing that the martyrdom of Imam Ali Khamenei demonstrated the resilience of the leadership system, which continued functioning without major disruption.

Historical Context and the Chants of Death to America

Addressing the slogan “Death to America,” the IRGC clarifies that the chant is directed at the US government and its policies rather than ordinary American citizens. The letter frames both Iranian and American populations as victims of Washington’s political decisions. To support this position, the IRGC lists historical grievances starting from 1953, including the overthrow of Mohammad Mosaddegh, support for the Shah’s regime, the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iran-Iraq war, the downing of Iran Air Flight 655 which killed 290 people, economic sanctions, and the assassination of General Qasim Soleimani.

The IRGC rejects its designation by the United States as a terrorist organization, describing itself instead as a constitutional institution established to protect the revolution, independence, and sovereignty of the country, as well as to combat regional terrorism.

Appeals to the American Public and Policy Criticisms

The letter criticizes US military interventions globally, citing Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Palestine. It points to rising national debt, inflation, and social inequality in the United States as consequences of excessive foreign intervention. Turning directly to the American public, the IRGC asks citizens to use their political influence to alter Washington’s foreign policy, end wars, withdraw troops from foreign bases, and reduce support for Israel.