Iran's Ghalibaf Signals High Alert Following US Airstrike on Qeshm
Iran's parliament speaker warns of escalating tensions after a US strike on Qeshm Island, emphasizing the need for diplomatic restraint.
Iran's military readiness heightened after a US airstrike on Qeshm Island.
Ghalibaf warns of a potential 'new battlefield' if the US makes strategic errors.
Iran's target bank now includes US bases in Europe under a broad response strategy.
In a significant escalation of tensions, Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announced that the country has reached its highest level of defensive readiness following a reported US airstrike on Qeshm Island. This warning comes in the wake of a US Air Force jet allegedly striking an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) missile system after a missile was fired from the island towards a US aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ghalibaf addressed the parliament, stating that the responsibility to prevent further conflict lies with the United States, asserting, "The ball is in America's court to prevent war." His remarks were echoed by reports from Iranian news agencies detailing explosions and tremors experienced by residents of Qeshm Island and nearby areas, indicating a heightened state of alert.
US media sources reported that the airstrike was a limited operation aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping routes. However, the Central Command (CENTCOM) has not issued any formal confirmation regarding the incident. Meanwhile, the IRGC claimed to have downed two US reconnaissance drones and destroyed another drone in the vicinity of Qeshm Island, further intensifying the situation.
Ghalibaf also referenced the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's military strategy, which includes a broad response to potential attacks. He noted that senior military leaders had recently convened to discuss a strategy that could involve targeting US military bases in Europe, suggesting that any conflict could extend beyond the region. Former foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki emphasized that if hostilities were to arise, it would not be confined to the Middle East.
In light of these developments, Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, expressed support for mediation efforts by Gulf states, highlighting a desire for dialogue with neighboring countries. He noted the constructive roles played by nations like Qatar and Oman, indicating Iran's willingness to engage in discussions to de-escalate tensions in the region.
