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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned on Thursday that any invasion of Iran’s islands would result
in severe consequences, stating it would cause the Persian Gulf to be filled with the blood of invaders. The comments come amidst heightened tensions and ongoing conflict involving Iran, although the specific catalyst for Qalibaf’s remarks remains unclear. Iran currently controls three islands that were taken from the United Arab Emirates prior to its establishment in 1971.
Escalating Conflict and Oil Prices
The ongoing conflict has led to a surge in oil prices, which surpassed $100 a barrel on Thursday, driven by relentless Iranian assaults on shipping and energy infrastructure. American and Israeli military actions against Iran continue, with no resolution to the conflict in sight.Recent attacks by Iran have included strikes on a container ship near Dubai and a drone assault on a major Saudi oil field. These actions have prompted Iraq to suspend operations at its oil terminals following an attack on its port of Basra.
International Response and Security Council Actions
In response to Iran's aggressive tactics, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution demanding an end to Iran's attacks on its Gulf neighbors. However, Iran has shown no intention of complying, launching new strikes that have affected various nations in the region.On Thursday morning, a container ship was struck by a projectile in the Persian Gulf, igniting a fire, though the crew remained safe. Additional Iranian attacks have resulted in significant damage and casualties across the region, including in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Casualties and Humanitarian Impact
The conflict has resulted in a rising death toll, with reports indicating at least 634 fatalities in Lebanon since the fighting escalated. The U.N. refugee agency has noted that over 759,000 people have been displaced within Lebanon due to the ongoing violence.Iranian authorities have reported more than 1,300 deaths within their borders, while Israel has confirmed 12 fatalities. The United States has also experienced losses, with seven soldiers killed and eight others injured during the conflict.
