Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced plans to launch attacks on US companies in the region in retaliation for Iran’s alleged involvement in the recent US-Iran tensions. According to Iranian media, the Revolutionary Guard Corps has stated that it will target US companies in the region starting from April 1, 8 pm local time, in response to the US’s alleged plans to attack Iran. The statement also warned that any company operating in Iran should expect destruction of their units in response to any terrorist attack.
This comes after US Secretary of Defense, Patrick Shanahan, claimed that the US has many options to deal with Iran, while Iran’s options are limited. Shanahan also stated that the US is prepared to attack Iran’s military installations and airspace.
In the past 24 hours, Iran has fired a limited number of missiles, and French Navy Chief, Admiral Pierre Vandier, has stated that the number of Chinese ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is not sufficient to restore normal traffic flow.
Jordan, which has previously cooperated with Israel to destroy Iranian drones and missiles, has announced its support for the US in the conflict. Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, has also stated that the US has changed its objectives in dealing with Iran, citing its inability to achieve success in major battles.
US President Donald Trump is set to address the nation at 6 am local time, and reports suggest that the US and Iranian leaders have held secret talks to discuss the conflict. The Iranian government has denied reports that the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is suffering from poor health due to the conflict.
In a separate development, an oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Qatar, but all crew members were reported safe, and an investigation has been launched. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gabi Ashkenazi, has denied claims that the current conflict is Israel’s last war.
French Navy Chief, Admiral Pierre Vandier, has also stated that the number of Chinese ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is not sufficient to restore normal traffic flow.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s President has announced a measure to promote environmental protection, and the country’s government has banned its officials and employees from using state-owned transport for two days. A Ukrainian plane was also reported to have been shot down near Crimea, a region that Russia annexed in 2014.
US Senator Chris Coons has criticized US President Donald Trump for his handling of the conflict, stating that Trump’s assertion that Iran’s new president is less radical and more intelligent than his predecessor is false.
