‘Touch our energy facilities and the region will burn’: Iran’s warning to US, Israel

Iran: The IRGC has issued a stern warning to the US and its allies that if Iran's oil-gas facilities or ports are attacked, the entire Middle East's energy system will be targeted. In a statement issued in the state media, it was said that if there is even a small attack, the response will be very brutal.

Will Iran limit its response only to its borders?

Iranian military officers have clearly said that the response will not stop at the borders of Iran. If there is an attack, all the oil-gas projects of America or its Western Alliance can be targeted. Iran made it clear that this will affect the energy system of the entire region, which means there can be an outcry in the global market. The IRGC spokesperson said that if attacks on our energy sites continue, they will "set fire" to the region's oil-gas reserves.

What has the US military done so far?

According to CENTCOM, since the beginning of the war, American forces have attacked thousands of military bases and targets inside Iran. Reports say that more than 5,000 targets were hit, including many ships. Trump has claimed that these attacks have greatly weakened Iran's military capabilities – their navy, air force and missile systems have been heavily damaged. Trump said that we are destroying their missile and drone capability every hour.

What did Iranian leaders say on the regional crisis?

Ali Larijani, senior leader of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said that if Iran's power or energy infrastructure is attacked, they will not spare the entire region. He warned that in such a situation, the electricity system of the entire area can be disrupted within a few minutes, which will make the situation more dangerous. Responding to Trump's threat, Larijani said that if America attacks Iran's electricity grid, the entire region will be plunged into darkness, and that too in less than half an hour.

What appeal did the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei make to the countrymen?

Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first message (read by an anchor on state TV, not seen himself). He appealed to the Iranian people to remain united, saying that in the current situation everyone will have to stand together. He also indicated that important sea routes like the Strait of Hormuz can be used as a pressure tool. He said that Hormuz will remain closed so that pressure can be maintained on the enemy and warned the countries with American bases to close the bases otherwise the attacks will continue.