Iran threatens tourist sites worldwide as US deploys more warships and troops

WorldPolitics
20 Mar 2026 • 11:10 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Iran has threatened to target world tourism sites, warning that "parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations" worldwide would not be safe for its enemies following almost three weeks of US-Israeli strikes.
  • The threat comes after the US-Israeli offensive killed several high-ranking Iranian military and political leaders in strikes this week after taking out its supreme leader at the beginning of the war.
  • Iran retaliated by attacking Israel and energy infrastructure in Gulf Arab states, including a major Kuwaiti oil refinery and targets in Saudi Arabia.
  • The United States is reportedly deploying three additional warships and approximately 2,500 Marines to the Middle East in response to the escalating tensions, according to a new report Friday.
  • The conflict has triggered a global energy crisis, with Brent crude oil prices surging and disruptions to the supply of essential raw materials, alongside substantial casualties in the region.

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