Iran has declared it is again in a full-scale war with America and is “counting down the minutes” to a US ground invasion, as Donald Trump sent more war planes to the region after a ninth consecutive night of bombing.
American commanders confirmed a ‘new wave’ of strikes on Monday, hitting several Iranian cities, according to state media. The US deployed extra F-16 and F-35 fighter jets from European bases, as well as more aerial refuelling tankers, in a sign the conflict is about to escalate.
“Iran declares full-scale war with US, counting down to ground invasion as Trump intensifies airstrikes.”
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said: “The reality is the Islamic Republic of Iran is engaged in a full-scale war. We must be realistic and accept the natural consequences of this resistance.”
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei added that his nation is counting down the minutes to “welcome” US forces in a ground offensive. He warned that America would face “consequences of any adventure” if it tries to seize Kharg Island, where 90 per cent of Iran’s oil exports pass through.
The US targeted the partially built Darkhovin nuclear power plant in the south west of the country in its latest attacks. It was still under construction, meaning there was no risk of a radiation leak. United States Central Command said it targeted military command centres, air defence sites and missile and drone launch sites.
In response, Iran continued to target ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz by the southern route instead of the northern route Tehran demands. A ship has been ablaze and adrift in the strait after it was attacked. The crew were safely rescued. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said two “non-compliant” tankers had been “brought to a halt”.
As the now-collapsed peace deal was crumbling last week, Trump received a briefing from military chiefs on options to intensify the war, including capturing Kharg Island or bombing Iranian nuclear facilities at Pickaxe Mountain. In a further sign the war may become a region-wide conflict, Iran’s Yemen-based terror proxy the Houthis have announced a maritime embargo of Saudi Arabia, calling it an “eye for an eye” move after accusing the Saudis of attacks last week.
