Iran has warned other nations against getting involved in its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel., theeaning to disrupt shipping through the waterway.
The warning came on Sunday from Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, who cautioned that any country supporting military actions against Iran could worsen the conflict. His statement followed reports that a military base in Kuwait hosting American and Italian troops was targeted in a drone attack.
According to Italian authorities, the attack struck the Ali Al Salem airbase and destroyed an unmanned Italian aircraft, though no casualties were reported. Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, downplayed the incident, stating that Italy was not at war with any country despite the strike.
Iran also accused neighbouring states of allowing US forces to launch attacks from bases located in their territories. Araghchi urged those countries to expel what he described as “foreign aggressors,” warning that Iran had evidence linking the bases to attacks against it.
The tension intensified after former US President Donald Trump called on several countries to cooperate with the US in securing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil and gas exports. The strait normally handles about 20 per cent of the world’s energy shipments.
Iran has threatened to disrupt shipping through the waterway following strikes by US and Israeli forces that reportedly killed the country’s supreme leader. The move has triggered panic in global energy markets, with oil prices rising by about 40 per cent.
While Washington has urged allies such as China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to send naval forces to escort oil tankers in the Gulf, many of the countries have responded cautiously, expressing concerns about further escalation.
Meanwhile, authorities in Baghdad, Iraq, reported that rockets struck the city’s airport, injuring five people. The airport houses a US diplomatic facility.
The conflict, which began on February 28, has already caused significant humanitarian and economic impacts. Iranian officials say more than 1,200 people have been killed in strikes carried out by US and Israeli forces, while the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that about 3.2 million people have been displaced across Iran.
Despite the ongoing fighting, life in the Iranian capital, Tehran, appeared to be gradually returning to normal on Sunday. Traffic increased across the city, while several cafes, restaurants and market stalls reopened ahead of the upcoming Persian New Year celebrations.
The Israeli military has indicated that operations will continue. Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin said the country still had thousands of targets in Iran and was identifying new ones daily.
