- Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, threatened American troops, stating they would be 'set on fire,' and vowed to 'punish' regional partners.
- Qalibaf affirmed Iran's continued 'firing' and the readiness of its 'missiles,' indicating an escalation of tensions.
- The threats coincide with the deployment of approximately 2,500 US Marines to the region and the entry of Iranian-backed Houthi rebels into the month-long conflict. It follows speculation that Pentagon officials are preparing for potential ground operations in Iran,The Washington Post reported on Saturday.
- Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, are scheduled to meet in Pakistan to discuss strategies for de-escalating the fighting in the Middle East.
- The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about global oil and natural gas supplies, caused fertiliser shortages, disrupted air travel, and poses a risk to international shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
IN FULL