Iran threatens global tourist sites
Iran threatened to target recreational and tourist sites worldwide and insisted it was still building missiles, as its Supreme Leader issued a defiant statement nearly three weeks into US-Israeli strikes that have killed top leaders and hammered Tehran’s weapons and energy industries.
“Iran’s enemies won’t be safe in parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations,” Gen Abolfazl Shekarchi, Iran’s top military spokesman, warned Friday.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei praised Iranians’ resilience during the Persian New Year, Nowruz. “The US and Israeli attacks were based on an illusion that killing Iran’s top leaders could cause the overthrow of the Government,” Khamenei said, commending citizens for “building a nationwide defensive front.” Khamenei has not been seen in public since assuming office after the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Israeli strikes.The US is deploying three more warships and 2,500 Marines to the Middle East, a US official told The Associated Press. Weeks of strikes have decimated Iran’s military, including its Supreme National Security Council and top Revolutionary Guard leaders. Iranian officials denied claims that missile production had been halted. “We are producing missiles even during war conditions, which is amazing,” said Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini, who was later killed in an airstrike.
Iran has stepped up attacks on Gulf Arab energy sites. Two waves of drones struck Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery early Friday, sparking fires. Explosions shook Dubai as air defenses intercepted incoming fire. Israel also broadened attacks to Syria, while strikes in Lebanon and the West Bank have killed hundreds. More than 1,300 people have died in Iran and over 1,000 in Lebanon.
Iran’s attacks, combined with control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, have sent Brent crude to $108 per barrel from $70 prewar, threatening a global energy crisis. US President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for refusing to join the war, calling them “COWARDS” and “A PAPER TIGER.” Disrupted supplies of helium and sulfur could further raise global prices.
