UMVA has learned that the United States has launched a series of 'self-defence' rocket strikes against Iran in response to the country's 'unwarranted and continued aggression'.
The sudden military escalation comes as tensions between the two nations reach a boiling point, with Iran's air defence systems activated in western Tehran and reports of explosions in several other locations, including the southern towns of Sirik and Minab, Bandar Abbas, and Qeshm island.
President Donald Trump revealed that the US had been secretly taking oil from Iran through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway that has been blocked by Iran, causing chaos in global markets and skyrocketing oil prices.
Trump told reporters that it was 'very hard' not to reveal the information sooner, but claimed that the US had managed to extract 'millions of barrels' of oil without Iran's knowledge.
On social media, Trump boasted that he had directed the US military to execute a secret mission to support oil tankers and other vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring that over 200 commercial ships had safely travelled through the waterway.
However, Trump's Energy Secretary Chris Wright seemed unaware of the president's claims, saying he was 'unaware' of any efforts to take oil from Iran and downplaying the remarks as casual comments about US efforts to stop the flow of Iranian oil.
The military escalation comes on the back of an Apache helicopter being shot down over the Strait, with Trump vowing revenge and promising to 'hit them again hard'.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused the US of war crimes, alleging that the strikes had destroyed two reservoirs that supplied drinking water to over 20,000 residents, and demanded that the US be held accountable for the attacks.
The conflict shows no signs of abating, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appearing intent on pursuing a more aggressive agenda, including the collapse of Iran's theocratic government and the elimination of its nuclear program.
As both countries seek a way to end the conflict, it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached, or if the situation will continue to deteriorate.
