A senior IRGC official claimed that “we are in possession of precise intelligence on the Americans pressuring the anti-revolutionary forces and terrorists to carry out operations and foment insecurity in Iran or wait for a halt of their financial support from the U.S.”. He also argued that “the Americans have since the start of this year begun extensive moves in the neighbouring states to equip, train and back up the terrorists to enable them to disrupt security of the borders and the nearby towns in a specially-designed situation”. The official added: “the Americans are well aware of the Islamic Republic's power and know that our response will be equal to the level of their aggression and threats”.