Iran's Chilling New Threat to the US
Iran warns of "mass captivity" for U.S. troops if a ground invasion begins, as Parliament Speaker Qalibaf claims U.S. plots have failed. Meanwhile, CENTCOM reports 42 vessels intercepted, cutting off $6 billion in oil as the naval blockade tightens the noose on Tehran.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declared overnight that "the enemies have failed to achieve their goals from day one," as the Islamic Republic ramps up its rhetoric amid soaring tensions with the United States.
Speaking on the latest developments in the conflict and the stalled negotiations, Qalibaf stated that a united nation has thwarted all "conspiracies." He accused U.S. President Donald Trump of attempting to divide Iran into "extremists and moderates" while using a naval blockade to force a surrender. "The only solution to deal with the enemy's new plot is to maintain unity," Qalibaf emphasized.
Warnings of Devastating Consequences
The rhetoric escalated further with a direct warning from Mohsen Rezaee, a senior official within the Iranian regime. Rezaee cautioned that any resumption of active warfare by the United States would lead to "devastating" results for Washington.
"If they attempt a ground invasion, they must prepare for a large number of their soldiers to be taken captive," Rezaee warned.
The threats coincide with the approaching expiration of a two-week ceasefire. Reports indicate that President Trump is set to be briefed by CENTCOM on plans for a "short and powerful" wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure.
CENTCOM: Blockade Intercepts Billions in Oil
While Tehran projects defiance, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported significant success in its ongoing naval blockade. Admiral Brad Cooper updated overnight that U.S. forces have successfully diverted 42 vessels attempting to breach the blockade.
The Economic Impact:
President Trump recently lauded the effectiveness of the maritime strategy, suggesting it may be more impactful than traditional kinetic strikes. "The naval blockade, in some ways, is more effective than the bombings," Trump said. "The Iranians are suffocating... and it's going to get worse for them."