Iran's Parliamentary Speaker Condemns Trump's Threats as Middle East Crisis Intensifies
Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, has issued a strong condemnation of former US President Donald Trump's threats to target Iranian energy and transport infrastructure. In a post on social media platform X, Qalibaf accused Trump of being misled by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning that reckless moves are dragging the United States into a "living HELL for every single family" and threatening to set the entire region ablaze.
Netanyahu Claims Israeli Assistance in US Rescue Mission
Late on Sunday, Netanyahu suggested that Israel assisted the United States with its rescue of a downed airman in Iran. The Israeli prime minister stated he had spoken to Trump and "congratulated him on his bold decision and a perfectly executed American mission." Netanyahu added that "the president expressed his appreciation for Israel's help" in the operation.
Trump's Provocative Language and Iranian Retaliation
On Sunday, Trump used expletive-laden language on Truth Social, demanding Iran open the Strait of Hormuz and threatening further attacks on Iranian infrastructure. Despite ongoing US-Israeli military actions, Iran demonstrated its continued capability by expanding attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure over the weekend. The Revolutionary Guards launched drone and missile strikes on petrochemical facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, and reportedly hit an Israeli-linked vessel at Dubai's Jebel Ali port.
Key Developments in the Escalating Crisis
- US Political Backlash: Trump faced sharp rebukes from US politicians, including Republican former ally Marjorie Taylor Greene, who called for intervention in "Trump's madness" and accused the president of having "gone insane." Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer criticized Trump for "ranting like an unhinged madman on social media" and threatening possible war crimes.
- Oil Price Surge: Crude oil prices opened higher on Monday following Trump's threats. West Texas Intermediate rose 1.86% to $113.62 a barrel, while North Sea Brent crude climbed 1.16% to $110.30 a barrel.
- Rescue Operations and Casualties: The second crew member of a downed F-15E fighter jet was rescued by US forces overnight, ending a two-day search in south-west Iran. Trump confirmed the crew member was "seriously wounded" but "safe and sound" after a mission reportedly aided by CIA subterfuge. At least five people were reported killed in US-Israeli attacks during rescue operations.
- Regional Attacks and Damage: Israeli rescuers recovered two bodies after an Iranian ballistic missile struck a residential building in Haifa. Iran claimed strikes on a petrochemical complex in Bahrain, while Kuwait reported significant material losses at multiple facilities, including power and water desalination plants damaged by Iranian drone attacks.
- Lebanon Escalation: Israeli attacks in Lebanon killed at least 15 people on Sunday, with one strike in Beirut's Jnah neighborhood killing five and wounding 52. Israel's military chief visited troops in southern Lebanon and pledged to intensify strikes against Hezbollah.
