Iran is fully prepared to engage in invasions of its Gulf neighbors if the United States makes any missteps in the region, according to Iranian national security expert Morteza Simiyari. The expert stated on state television that Iran’s armed forces have the capability to conduct coastal invasions of countries like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, emphasizing that troops have undergone extensive training for such scenarios.
Simiyari also addressed recent rumors about Iranian financial assets being withdrawn from the UAE, dismissing them as false reports aimed at exerting pressure on Iran and engaging in psychological warfare. He cautioned that if Iranian assets are indeed removed from the UAE, Iran will target all financial centers and banking institutions in the Gulf nation. He highlighted the seriousness of the situation due to the UAE’s continued cooperation with the United States.
These statements by Simiyari were broadcast on Iran’s state television network IRIB and translated into English by the Middle East Media Research Institute. Iran recently rejected a US proposal to halt the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and instead launched further attacks on countries like Israel and Gulf nations, including an assault that caused a significant fire at Kuwait International Airport.
As Iran retaliated against airstrikes by Israel and the increased US military presence in the region, Iranian state television quoted an anonymous official asserting Iran’s rejection of America’s ceasefire proposal. The official stated that Iran would only consider ending the war on its own terms and conditions.
Efforts for mediation have been ongoing, with a Pakistani delegation transmitting a 15-point US proposal to Iran. The proposal reportedly covers aspects such as sanctions relief, adjustments to Iran’s nuclear program, missile limitations, and the reopening of the vital Strait of Hormuz for oil shipments. An Egyptian official involved in the mediation process mentioned additional terms regarding Iran’s support for armed groups.
Casualties have been reported on all sides of the conflict, with Iran’s health ministry stating over 1,500 deaths in US-Israeli strikes, while Israel reported 20 fatalities, including two soldiers in Lebanon. The conflict has also led to the loss of US military personnel and civilians in various regions.
In Lebanon, the toll from Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah has resulted in nearly 1,100 deaths and displacement of over a million individuals. In Iraq, where Iranian-backed militant groups are involved, 80 security forces members have been killed, according to security advisor Khalid al-Yaqoubi.
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