Iran Issues Stern Warning to United States Amid Military Buildup
Iran has delivered a chilling new threat to the United States following President Donald Trump's decision to deploy a significant naval force toward the region. The American president confirmed that a substantial military contingent, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and multiple guided-missile destroyers, is currently en route. Trump emphasized that Washington is closely monitoring Tehran's actions, particularly in light of escalating tensions after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ordered a deadly suppression of protests.
Iranian Cleric Warns of Missile Threat to US Assets
The warning was articulated by senior Iranian cleric Mohammad Javad Haj Ali Akbari, who stated that Tehran could potentially target American-linked investments throughout the Middle East if Washington initiates any strikes against Iran. "The one trillion dollars you have invested in the region is under the watch of our missiles," he declared, highlighting the economic stakes in the ongoing confrontation.
Trump's Naval Deployment and Renewed Threats
President Trump issued renewed threats against Iran concerning reports of executions of protesters, warning of severe consequences should such actions continue. While confirming the naval deployment, Trump expressed hope that military force would not be necessary. "We have an armada… heading in that direction, and maybe we won't have to use it," he remarked, adding, "We are watching them very closely."
United Kingdom Deploys Fighter Jets to Qatar
Simultaneously, the United Kingdom has deployed Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar in what the Ministry of Defence described as a defensive maneuver. This deployment follows rising tensions between Tehran and Washington and growing concerns over regional stability. An MoD spokesperson indicated that the move, made at the invitation of the Qatari government, reflects the UK's commitment to collaborating with international partners to maintain security in the Middle East.
The four Typhoon jets, capable of deploying a range of short- and long-range guided missiles, were sent to Qatar, which is situated just across the Persian Gulf from Iran. This strategic positioning underscores the broader international dimension of the crisis.
Iran Denies Halting Executions of Protesters
Iranian officials have firmly denied claims that executions of protesters have been halted. Iran's top prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, dismissed reports suggesting that hundreds of executions had been called off, stating, "This claim is completely false. No such number exists, nor has the judiciary made any such decision." Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also asserted that there is "no plan for hanging at all," despite mounting international concern.
United Nations to Hold Emergency Session
The United Nations Human Rights Council is scheduled to convene an emergency session to discuss what it termed "alarming violence" used against protesters in Iran. The demonstrations, which initially erupted over economic hardship, have evolved into broader calls for political change, intensifying the domestic and international scrutiny of Iran's actions.
Human Rights Groups Estimate Thousands Killed
Human rights organizations estimate that thousands have been killed since the protests began, though exact figures remain disputed due to a near-total internet blackout in the country. Analysts suggest that the prolonged shutdown has complicated efforts to verify reports and may be intended to conceal the true scale of the crackdown. This information vacuum adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
