Tehran: Iran and the United States exchanged threats on Wednesday following intense military exchanges over recent weeks. Tehran accused Washington of launching an attack on a wedding party, which it labeled a "war crime," escalating tensions between the two nations.
According to France24.com, President Donald Trump announced that US forces executed a "very heavy attack" on Iranian targets overnight, stating they are "prepared to do another one any time we want." In response, Iran's security chief warned the United States of facing a "new strategy" from Iran, which would affect the battlefield, diplomatic channels, and the ongoing economic blockade.
Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, emphasized on X that the new strategy would "shatter your [US] foundations." In a provocative move, Trump suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz to "Trump Strait," given its current status under US control, although he later downplayed the suggestion as not serious.
Following extensive US bombardment on Tuesday, Iran targeted US bases across several Middle Eastern countries, including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq's Kurdistan region. Tehran's reaction was fueled by reports from the Iranian Red Crescent that a US attack on a wedding in southern Iran resulted in four deaths, including a child, and over 50 injuries.
Esmaeil Baqaei, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, condemned the attack on the wedding in Sirik, calling it part of "America's desperate struggle to conceal its failure." Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman Tim Hawkins refuted claims of targeting civilians, drawing a contrast with Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
Iran's negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, criticized the United States, likening its actions to those of "Satan" and condemning the wedding strike on X. The series of clashes began with US strikes on Iranian targets, retaliated by Tehran with attacks on US troops in the region and on oil tankers.
President Trump stated that US actions were in response to Iran's alleged attempts to plant sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz and missile attacks on a base in Jordan. The Iranian public expressed regret over the renewed hostilities, with citizens like Hossein Moazami calling for a return to negotiations to alleviate the suffering of the Iranian people.
Footage shared by Iranian authorities showed the aftermath of the wedding strike in Sirik, with visible debris and chaos. Ali Mallahi, the bride's father, expressed relief that casualties were not higher despite the tragic event. The conflict, which originated from US-Israeli attacks on February 28 that killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has seen a fragile ceasefire collapse, exacerbated by attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, affirmed that his country is prepared to respond "with great force" if targeted by Iran during the Jewish high holiday season. Katz noted that, so far, the attacks have been regional, sparing Israel.