Iran has issued Donald Trump and world leaders a terrifying message, warning of “uncontrollable consequences” if the US military enters the war against Tehran. The warning comes hours after the US President called for the “unconditional surrender” of the Tehran regime amid continuing Israeli air strikes across the country.
CBS News also reported that Trump is considering joining Israel in attacking Iran, in what would be a major escalation of hostilities. A furious Tehran immediately went on the attack, threatening to unleash financial and military chaos across the Middle East that would hit not just the US hard, but most of the rest of the world – including the UK.
In a programme broadcast on state TV, an Iranian presenter said: “Any US aggression against Iran will have specific consequences.
“Iran previously warned via Swiss Embassy: ‘This is not America’s war. Do not intervene in Israel’s war we will handle this ourselves.’
“But if the US enters this conflict, consequences will be uncontrollable.
“Persian Gulf turmoil and Hormuz Strait closure. Global financial markets disrupted and energy infrastructures damaged. Oil prices surging to $400 a barrel.
“US bases will become targets. The Qatar regional naval bases, the Kuwaiti ground facilities. All will be struck if America intervenes.”
The White House had previously insisted that the US was not directly involved in Israel’s attacks on its bitter foe.
However, in a flurry of posts to his Truth Social website, Trump boasted that “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran” – with the emphasis on “we”.
While acknowledging that Iran’s air defences had been good, he said they weren’t as strong as American-made hardware.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for seaborne oil, with around 20 million barrels per day or about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption, flowing through the channel.
In total, approximately US$554 billion (£411bn) worth of maritime trade passes through it annually, according to Lloyd’s List.
Oil prices ticked up in early trading on Wednesday after ending the previous session up more than 4% on worries that the Iran-Israel conflict could disrupt supplies, Reuters reports.
Brent crude futures rose 19 cents, or 0.25%, to $76.64 a barrel by 0029 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 23 cents, or 0.31%, to $75.07 per barrel.