Iran threatens US-linked oil targets in retaliation for energy strikes
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Tehran: Iran warned it would hit regional oil facilities tied to US companies if its energy infrastructure faces further attacks, following Friday's US strike on Kharg Island.
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in a US broadcaster MS Now interview, responded to the Kharg hit and President Donald Trump's threats against the terminal. " Our armed forces have already stated that they will retaliate if our oil and energy infrastructure is attacked. They will strike any energy facility in the region that belongs to or is partially owned by an American company," he said.
Araghchi accused the US of launching from UAE sites in Ras Al-Khaimah and near Dubai, calling strikes from populated areas "highly dangerous." Iran would retaliate but avoid civilian zones, he added.
Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya command echoed this via spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari: " All oil, economic, and energy infrastructure linked to US interests will be destroyed and reduced to a pile of ashes," per IRNA.
The Strait of Hormuz stays open except to enemy vessels, Araghchi noted, with many tankers passing despite fears. Kharg exports continue uninterrupted; Bushehr deputy governor Ehsan Jahanian reported damage to military sites and the airport but no casualties or commercial halts, per Tasnim.
Tensions stem from February 28 US-Israeli strikes on Tehran and other cities, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, top commanders, and over 1,300 civilians. Iran hit back with missiles and drones on US and Israeli targets across the Middle East.
(Inputs from IANS)