Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Iranian forces are prepared to set American troops on fire if they arrive on the ground. He also stated that Iran’s determination and faith have increased.
The warning comes as regional powers gather in Pakistan for talks on how to end the fighting in the Middle East. Around 2,500 U.S. Marines have arrived in the region, and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have entered the monthlong war.
Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt are in Islamabad for the talks, as the war has already threatened global oil and natural gas supplies, sparked shortages in fertilizer, and disrupted air travel. Iran’s control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz has also impacted markets and prices.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates reported fresh missile and drone attacks, with its air defense systems intercepting 16 missiles and 42 drones in the past 24 hours.
In another development, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Pakistan for talks on ongoing efforts to end the war in the Middle East. The discussions will focus on the evolving regional situation.
An adviser to the UAE called for a settlement to the war to include clear guarantees that Iranian attacks on its neighbors will not be repeated, labeling Iran as the main threat to Gulf countries.
As tensions escalate, Iran has threatened to target Israeli and American educational facilities unless the U.S. condemns the bombings of Iranian universities. The Revolutionary Guard issued a warning, specifying a deadline for the U.S. to respond.
In addition, Israel’s military confirmed a new wave of attacks on Iran and the targeting of Tehran and other parts of the country. The conflict in the region continues to escalate, with various countries experiencing drone and missile attacks.
The situation remains fluid, with multiple parties involved in the conflict and ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and bring about a resolution.
/2019/12/17/phpAUWvry.jpg "Targeting journalists is a war crime, RSF recalls, after the death of three Lebanese journalists.")
