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“According to certain intelligence,” Ghalibaf stated, “Iran’s adversaries, backed by a regional nation, are plotting to seize control of one of our islands.”
“Our military forces are closely monitoring every move by our enemies,” he continued.
“Should they overstep their bounds, we will not hesitate to launch unyielding strikes on the crucial infrastructure of that regional nation.”
Ghalibaf refrained from identifying the specific adversaries or the regional nation in question.
However, Iran is encircled by countries with whom it shares a lengthy history of tension and animosity.
Because mainland Iran lacks substantial deepwater ports, oil is piped to the island where it is loaded onto tankers.
The rough, rocky terrain and substantial layered defences of the island indicates that if Iran were to resist a US invasion there, it would be bloody.
But there are other islands that are of strategic value to Iran.
The island reportedly contains underground tunnels hiding anti-ship missiles, mines, drones and attack craft.
It remains one of the most strategically vital locations for Iran if it wants to continue cutting off the Strait of Hormuz to foreign shipping.
Abu Musa is another potential target.
The island in the Persian Gulf contains significant military infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates has also staked a claim on the island, but Iran currently occupies it.
Yesterday the US confirmed it was sending 2000 paratroopers to the Middle East.
The 82nd Airborne Division is considered an elite unit that was among the first boots on the ground in Normandy on D-Day in 1944.
Earlier today Iran dismissed any talks of a ceasefire with the US.
The US had drafted a 15-point proposal which would end the conflict.
But Iranian officials refused to consider the deal.
“Iran will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met,” the official was quoted as saying.
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