TEHRAN: Iran launched a fresh wave of missile attacks early Tuesday, signaling defiance after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of devastating strikes on the country’s key infrastructure, including its main oil export terminal at Kharg Island.
Trump cautioned that unless Tehran agrees to a war-ending deal including reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz the United States could target power plants, oil facilities, and desalination units across Iran.
Despite the threats, Iran has shown no signs of backing down. An Iranian parliamentary panel has approved plans to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and ban vessels linked to the U.S. and Israel, raising fears over global energy supply disruptions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country had achieved “more than halfway” of its military objectives in the conflict, but did not provide a timeline for ending operations.
Regional Fallout Intensifies
The conflict continues to spill across the region. In Dubai, four people were injured after debris from intercepted missiles fell in populated areas, while a Kuwaiti oil tanker caught fire at the city’s port.
Saudi Arabia confirmed intercepting eight ballistic missiles, underscoring the widening scope of hostilities.
Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged Riyadh to expel U.S. forces, calling Saudi Arabia a “brotherly nation” while criticizing foreign military presence in the region.
U.S. Signals Flexibility on Hormuz
In a notable shift, reports suggest Trump is willing to end the conflict even if the Strait of Hormuz remains partially closed — potentially allowing Iran to retain leverage over one of the world’s most vital oil routes.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran’s proposed toll system could set a dangerous global precedent. “No one can accept nations claiming international waterways as their own,” he said.
Escalation in Lebanon and Israel
Fighting has also intensified in Lebanon, where Israeli operations targeting Hezbollah have led to heavy casualties. The UN confirmed that two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in an explosion, with others wounded. France has called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting.
The Israeli military also reported that four soldiers were killed in combat in southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, in Haifa, a major fire broke out at an oil refinery after it was struck by debris from an intercepted missile, sending thick black smoke into the sky.
