The Guardian continues its in-depth reporting on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, has criticized former President Donald Trump for his threats against energy and transport infrastructure in the region, asserting that Trump is being influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Qalibaf expressed on social media platform X, “Your reckless actions are pulling the United States into a nightmare, impacting every family, and igniting conflict across our region due to your adherence to Netanyahu’s directives.”
On Sunday evening, Netanyahu indicated that Israel had played a role in the US operation to rescue a downed airman in Iran, stating that he had congratulated Trump on what he described as a successful American mission. He added that the president appreciated Israel’s support during the operation.
That same day, Trump used aggressive language to demand that Iran allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, threatening further assaults on Iranian energy and transport systems. He posted on Truth Social, “Open the damn Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll find yourselves in Hell.”
Despite the ongoing US-Israeli military pressure, Iran has escalated its attacks on Gulf energy facilities over the weekend, launching drone and missile strikes targeting petrochemical sites in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards also reported that they had struck a vessel linked to Israel at Dubai’s Jebel Ali port.
In notable political reactions, Trump faced strong criticism from various US politicians, including former Republican ally Marjorie Taylor Greene, who urged the administration to intervene, declaring that Trump “has lost his sanity, and everyone involved is complicit.” Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer described Trump’s social media activity as erratic, stating, “He’s suggesting potential war crimes and alienating our allies. This conduct is not reflective of who we are as a nation; we deserve better.”
In the wake of Trump’s remarks, crude oil prices surged on Monday, with West Texas Intermediate, the US benchmark, rising by 1.86% to $113.62 per barrel, while North Sea Brent crude also saw an increase, climbing 1.16% to $110.30 per barrel.
The US successfully rescued the second crew member of an F-15E fighter jet that had crashed in southwestern Iran, concluding a two-day search. Trump confirmed that the individual was “seriously injured” but now “safe and sound,” with reports suggesting that the operation was facilitated by CIA intelligence.
During the rescue, at least five fatalities were reported due to US-Israeli airstrikes in southwestern Iran. Additionally, two bodies were recovered in Israel after an Iranian missile struck a residential area in Haifa, with ongoing efforts to locate two others still missing.
On Sunday, Iranian forces claimed responsibility for an attack on a petrochemical facility in Bahrain, with video evidence showing substantial smoke rising from the site. The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation also reported that Iranian drone strikes had targeted several of its facilities, resulting in significant damage and fires, with two desalination and power plants reported to be heavily impacted.
Israeli military actions in Lebanon on Sunday resulted in at least 15 deaths, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Israel’s military chief visited troops in the region, promising to intensify operations against Hezbollah. One airstrike in Beirut reportedly killed five individuals and injured 52 others.
In domestic news, Iran executed a man identified as Ali Fahim, who was convicted for attempting to storm a military facility during protests in January. This execution followed the confirmation of a previous sentence by the supreme court. Iran has already executed three others connected to the same incident, and Amnesty International suggests that more executions may occur as individuals associated with the unrest face similar fates.
The nationwide protests in January were met with a severe crackdown by authorities, who described the defendants as “rioters” attempting to undermine national security. Amnesty International reported that many of those arrested experienced torture and unfair trials.
In a recent update, the Israeli military confirmed the detection of missiles launched from Iran, stating that defensive systems were activated to intercept them. Alerts were issued to individuals in the relevant areas, advising them to seek shelter until further notice.
Regarding the recent missile strike in Haifa, Israeli firefighters are continuing their search for two individuals missing in the debris of a residential building that was damaged by the Iranian missile. The attack caused significant structural damage to the seven-story building, which partially collapsed, as reported by military and rescue services.
Elad Edri, chief of staff for Israel’s home front command, remarked on the extensive destruction caused by the missile strike, noting, “We are dealing with a major destruction site.”
