Agencies | Washington:
US President Donald Trump has described Iran as a “failed nation” and called for accountability against its leadership over its handling of anti-government protesters, as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated following a fresh exchange of fire.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared that “Iran is officially a Failed Nation” and further wrote, in capital letters, “IT IS DEAD!”
Trump claimed that Iran had no functioning navy or air force and alleged that the country was facing severe economic and institutional problems. He also criticised the Iranian leadership, accusing it of being unable to govern effectively.
Trump claimed that inflation in Iran had reached 300 per cent and alleged that the country’s leadership was in “total disarray”.
He also accused Iranian authorities of being prepared to use lethal force against protesters and claimed that more than 100,000 people had been killed. Trump said those responsible should face prosecution for what he described as “war crimes against humanity.”
The claims were made without supporting evidence in his post and came amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.
Trump also criticised what he called “FAKE NEWS from the USA” while strongly condemning Iran’s leadership.
In a separate interview with Fox News, Trump warned that the United States would respond forcefully to an overnight attack on American forces.
“We’re going to hit them hard,” Trump said.
His warning followed the first reported exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces in approximately a month, marking a significant escalation after a period of relative calm.
According to the US Central Command, American forces struck two Iranian rocket launchers on Sunday after they were allegedly attempting to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
A person familiar with the attack said the Iranian missiles launched in response were intercepted.
Iran subsequently launched missiles towards Jordan, according to the account, further widening concerns over the possibility of a broader regional confrontation.
The latest confrontation comes against the backdrop of already strained relations between Washington and Tehran. The exchange of fire and Trump’s warning of further military action have raised concerns that tensions could intensify in the coming days.
The Strait of Hormuz remains particularly sensitive because of its importance to global energy supplies. Any prolonged military confrontation in or around the waterway could have wider implications for regional security and international energy markets.
Trump’s latest remarks indicate that Washington is preparing for the possibility of additional military action following the attack on US forces, while the Iranian response has added another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile situation.
The developments are being closely watched as both sides weigh their next moves amid growing fears that a limited confrontation could escalate into a wider regional conflict.
