US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with a major attack, warning that any strike by American forces will be “far worse” than previous actions, as tensions rise over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and a brutal crackdown on anti-regime protesters.
Trump Issues Stark Warning to Iran
Trump said any strike by American forces “will be far worse” than its last round of attacks, when stealth bombers targeted underground nuclear facilities during the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June. He warned “time is running out” for Iran to make a deal on the future of its nuclear ambitions.
The latest rhetoric from the White House coincides with the arrival of a US Navy carrier strike group in the Middle East, which Trump described as “a massive armada,” led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln.
“Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. He called on Iran to “Come to the Table” and negotiate a deal, stating, “NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS.”
Trump referenced a previous military operation against Iran, “Operation Midnight Hammer,” as a demonstration of the potential consequences of further escalation. “The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again,” he posted.
Tehran’s mission to the United Nations responded, stating Iran is prepared for discussions but will defend itself if provoked. “BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!” the mission said.
Protest Crackdown Death Toll Estimates Vary
The Middle East remains on high alert following the uprising against the Iranian regime and Trump’s promises of protection to demonstrators. Trump initially showed restraint following assurances from Tehran that the planned execution of more than 800 protesters would not go ahead.
However, reports have since emerged detailing the severity of the crackdown by Iranian security forces. Human Rights Activists in Iran has verified more than 5,800 protester deaths and is investigating over 17,000 other cases, with more than 42,300 people reported detained.
Other estimates, including one coalition of doctors operating outside of Iran, suggest the death toll could be as high as 30,000.
Regional Concerns Grow
Several countries in the region have expressed concerns about potential military intervention. The United Arab Emirates warned it would not allow its airspace to be used in any military action against Iran. Saudi Arabia also took a similar stance after discussions between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Saudi Arabia, a key US partner, is wary of conflict with Iran due to a 2019 attack on Saudi oil facilities, which international investigations attributed to Iran.
Israel remains on high alert, anticipating it could be a target of Iranian retaliation. In June, Israel launched strikes against Iranian nuclear and military sites, triggering a 12-day war with Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “If Iran makes the grave mistake of attacking Israel, we will respond with a force Iran has never seen before.”
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