"All will be burned to ashes": Iran warns US against new strikes
Photo: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (Getty Images)
Tehran has threatened to strike other countries' energy infrastructure if the United States launches new attacks on Iran. The response would target not only US interests but also countries that take part in any potential strikes, according to Reuters.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said during phone calls with senior officials in Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia that any new military action by the United States, Israel or regional countries supporting such attacks would face a "proportionate response."
Nournews, a media outlet linked to Iran's top security body, said Saturday that US attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure would prompt Iran to strike oil fields in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as gas fields in Qatar and Israel, adding that "all will be burned to ashes."
The warning came amid statements by US President Donald Trump that he was prepared to launch new strikes on Iran.
Trump previously said that a potential rise in oil prices would be an acceptable price to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Reuters notes that the escalating situation has already affected global energy markets. Fighting and mutual threats have put key energy supply routes at risk, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Attacks on facilities in the region and risks to shipping are also causing concern.
Latest developments in the Iran war
It was reported earlier that the US and Israel were planning one of the largest bombing campaigns targeting Iran's energy infrastructure. The strikes could take place as early as this weekend.
Meanwhile, US embassies in Israel and other Middle Eastern countries have urged their citizens to avoid traveling to the region and be prepared to leave due to a "potential unforeseen escalation" of the conflict with Iran.
The top US general in Europe also privately warned the Pentagon that he lacked sufficient naval forces to continue protecting Israel from ballistic missile attacks.
