Trump Threatens Iran with 'Another Little Epic Fury'
In a recent rally, President Trump warned Iran of potential military action if diplomatic negotiations fail.
Trump indicated a possible military strike against Iran if no agreement is reached.
US intelligence reports heightened threats against American diplomats from Iran.
Iran warned of targeting undersea internet cables if attacked by the US or Israel.
During a campaign rally in Florida on Friday, President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, suggesting that the United States might undertake another military operation, which he referred to as 'another little Epic Fury', if Tehran does not engage in diplomatic discussions. This statement echoes the initial military operation that marked the beginning of hostilities between the US and Iran.
Trump's remarks came as he expressed skepticism about Iran's willingness to negotiate, stating, 'If they're smart, they'll just say, 'Let's get down to business.' But, you know, I doubt they'll do that because perhaps they're not smart.' He also mentioned the return of US warships from the Middle East, hinting that they could stop near Cuba before sending Secretary of State Marco Rubio to facilitate diplomatic efforts.
In a related development, Axios reported that a recent US intelligence memo revealed Iran's increased efforts to target American diplomats and officials in the Middle East. The memo, which was directed to Rubio, indicated that plots against US diplomats were advancing, raising concerns among US officials about potential attacks, particularly from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The US State Department has responded to these threats by reducing staffing at its embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, and the UAE, although these embassies will remain operational under restricted conditions. This decision contrasts with actions taken in Saudi Arabia, where non-essential personnel were ordered to leave due to heightened risks.
In a further escalation, Iranian officials have warned that if the US and Israel resume military strikes, Iran could target undersea communication cables. They emphasized that any attack would lead to a significant response, stating, 'If Iran is attacked, there will be no more red lines.' Such actions could disrupt global internet traffic, although the overall impact may be limited due to the low percentage of international bandwidth that passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
