Iran Warns of Regional Retaliation Amidst Fuel Facility Attacks
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Tehran, March 9 (NationPress) The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of Iran has called upon Muslim nations in the vicinity to thwart any US and Israeli assaults on Iranian fuel and energy infrastructure. They have issued a stern warning that Tehran is prepared to retaliate in kind if such attacks persist.
Spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari made these statements following multiple strikes on fuel storage facilities in Tehran and the nearby Alborz province, which occurred during US and Israeli operations on Saturday night. These strikes resulted in temporary disruptions to fuel supplies and raised significant health and environmental alarms, as per reports from the Xinhua news agency, citing the Iranian Students' News Agency.
Zolfaghari condemned the US and Israel for their "brutal" attacks on Iran's energy networks and public service entities, including the loss of civilian lives. He emphasized that regional Muslim nations should caution Washington and Jerusalem against such "cowardly and inhumane actions" to avert an escalation of hostilities.
He further stated, "If you can withstand oil prices soaring beyond $200 per barrel, continue playing this dangerous game," indicating the potential for wider repercussions.
This warning follows joint operations by Israel and the United States on February 28, which targeted Tehran and various other Iranian cities, resulting in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, several family members, senior military officials, and civilians. Iran has since retaliated with numerous missile and drone strikes aimed at Israel and US military installations in the Middle East.
Additionally, on the same day, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that they had launched an attack on Israel's Haifa refinery as a retaliation for the US-Israeli strike against its energy facilities.
In a statement from its official outlet, Sepah News, the IRGC confirmed that the Haifa refinery was targeted using Kheibarshekan missiles in response to the assault.
Furthermore, the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company reported that the country's energy infrastructure was subjected to US-Israeli attacks on Saturday night.
Several oil depots in Tehran and Alborz provinces were struck by missiles, leading to fires, with firefighting teams engaged in containment efforts.
The Iranian capital experienced a new series of intense attacks on Saturday night, with loud explosions reported across various locations in Tehran.