Trump Boasts Of Killing Iran Leaders As War Nears Two Weeks
U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy after boasting about the killing of Iranian leaders as the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran approached the two-week mark.
The war, which began after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, has already killed more than 2,000 people and disrupted the lives of millions across the Middle East.
The escalating conflict has also shaken global energy and financial markets.
Blast Shakes Central Dubai Building Amid Middle East Conflict, No Injuries Reported
In a post on social media, Trump used harsh language to describe Iran’s leadership and said it was a “great honour” to eliminate them.
He also claimed that the United States had “unparalleled firepower and unlimited ammunition,” adding that the US was “totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to avenge those killed in the conflict. In his first public comments since taking power after his father’s death, Khamenei promised retaliation and warned that Iran could shut the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a critical route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also hinted at possible further strikes on Iran’s leadership while defending the ongoing military campaign.
Israel said its air force struck more than 200 targets in Iran in the past 24 hours, including missile launchers and air defence systems.
Iran has continued launching drones and missiles toward Israel and other regional locations, including attacks that caused damage to buildings and infrastructure in several countries.
Italy Says Its Military Base In Iraq Attacked; ‘No Casualties To Personnel’
According to Reuters, missile debris also caused minor damage to a building in Dubai, though no injuries were reported.
The conflict has spread across the region, with attacks reported in Iraq, Lebanon and the Gulf. A U.S. military refuelling aircraft also crashed in western Iraq during operations.
The war has also triggered major economic concerns. Oil prices jumped to around $100 per barrel, while global stock markets faced pressure amid fears of long-term disruptions to energy supply.
(With inputs from Reuters)
