A senior Iranian official has issued a thinly veiled threat against Donald Trump's life, as the United States continues its military campaign against Iran. Security chief Ali Larijani wrote on X: 'The sacrificial nation of Iran doesn't fear your empty threats. Even those bigger than you couldn't eliminate Iran. Be careful not to get eliminated yourself.' The warning came in response to Trump's Truth Social post vowing 'death, fire and fury' on the Islamic Republic.
The war of words escalated as US defence secretary Pete Hegseth promised the 'most intense' day of strikes yet. At least 12 people have been killed across Gulf states, mostly migrant workers, and around 140 US troops have been wounded in the past ten days, according to Pentagon officials. Bahrain reported its first death, a 29-year-old woman, from the conflict.
Global supply chains are reeling from surging oil prices, with the Strait of Hormuz threatened by Iranian mines. Trump warned of a military response 'at a level never seen before' if mines are not removed. Oil prices hit $115 a barrel on Monday before falling after Trump said the war would end 'very soon'. The UK has deployed HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean to support commercial shipping.
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi signalled no backing down, telling PBS: 'We are well prepared to continue attacking them with our missiles as long as needed.' Reports suggest the US is considering seizing Iran's Kharg Island, which handles 94% of its oil exports. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has asked Israel not to strike Iran's energy facilities, the first such restriction since the joint campaign began.
