TEHRAN: The secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council warned on Saturday that continuation of the US maritime blockade could lead to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and other strategic waterways.
According to a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr said continued US “provocations” would not only further restrict the key Strait of Hormuz but also result in the closure of other maritime chokepoints.
He warned that the consequences of Washington’s actions would be borne by “the global economy, the energy market, and American voters,” likely pointing to looming US congressional elections this November, where higher prices and the unpopular war are top issues.
Kuwait says it destroyed hostile drones, Iranian attack targeted vital facilities
Kuwait’s army said on Saturday it had detected and destroyed hostile drones in the country’s airspace since dawn, and that what it described as an Iranian attack had targeted several vital facilities.
A government facility in northern Kuwait and civilian property belonging to a company on Bubiyan Island were hit, it said, adding that falling shrapnel caused material damage but no casualties.
Ghalibaf says Iran has won war but must strengthen future stability
Iranian Parliament Speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said Iran “has won the war”, but stressed that the country “must consolidate and cement this victory”, Al Jazeera reported.
Speaking at the Iranian Parliament Coordination Council, Ghalibaf also said the nation “must maintain hope for a bright future”, according to the Tasnim news agency.
He further emphasised that Iranian officials must first and foremost expand the executive authority and capacity of the supreme leader, saying that any efforts to build a strong Iran must begin at this point.
EU naval force says Italian frigate escorts merchant vessel safely through Red Sea
A merchant vessel safely passed through the Red Sea under the protection of the Italian frigate Bergamini, the European Union naval mission ASPIDES said on Saturday.
ASPIDES, the EU’s defensive maritime security operation in the Red Sea, did not identify the vessel or disclose its flag, ownership or cargo details.