Tensions and fuel prices alike are rising worldwide. Iran has until 8 p.m. Eastern Time to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or face dire consequences from the USA. Thus far, they’ve rejected vulgar demands and peace proposals alike. In response, Trump has threatened to obliterate Iran’s bridges and power plants, blatantly ignoring international law against war crimes.
The world is on tenterhooks, waiting to see how this will play out.
Latest Attacks on Iran, and a Dire Warning
Yesterday’s attacks on Tehran resulted in the destruction of large portions of the Sharif University of Technology. This school is Iran’s equivalent to MIT. Iran is part of the cradle of civilization, and has created great scholars, architects, artists, and innovators for thousands of years. Thus far, over 20 education centers have been destroyed in this country, including the attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school in Minab, which killed 168 girls. The mirror hall of the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace was destroyed last month,
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Kharg island, where Iran’s main oil export terminal is located, was hit by US-Israeli strikes earlier today. As a result, Iran has closed all diplomatic and indirect channels of communication with the USA. It has also warned or severe retaliation if struck by the USA.
In Trump’s address to the nation last week, he threatened to “bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong”. Today, he threatened to destroy an entire civilization.
Just a few short weeks ago, Trump was proclaiming loudly about how he was liberating the Iranian people from the evil regime that has been oppressing them for decades. Now, he’s threatening to destroy all of them without hesitation. On Monday, he announced that he’s “not at all” concerned about committing possible war crimes, which should concern everyone on the planet.
Obliterating an entire civilization goes beyond a war crime or a crime against humanity. It’s an unthinkable act of annihilation, and would spell the end of the illusion of western “civilization”. Furthermore, it issues a dire warning to every nation on Earth: if war crimes keep being committed elsewhere, they could happen anywhere without consequence.
What Happens if Iran Refuses to Reopen Hormuz?
If Iran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before the deadline Trump established, one of two things will happen. They will either call Trump’s bluff, forcing him to retreat and determine his next course of action, or the USA and Israel will unleash hell upon them. Considering how events are unfolding, the latter is the most likely outcome.
The first areas promised to be targeted are energy creation plants. These are vital for basic infrastructure, such as powering water and sanitation facilities and providing electricity to hospitals. More bridges are likely to be destroyed next. As a result, Saudi Arabia has closed the King Fahd Causeway as a precautionary measure.
In response, Iran threatened that the USA and its allies will be deprived of oil and gas indefinitely if Tehran’s “red lines” are crossed. Furthermore, it has stated that it won’t hesitate to respond in kind if civilian facilities are attacked by the USA. As for the weapons the States may use against Iran, there are growing concerns that Trump may approve nuclear strikes against the country.
There aren’t going to be any “winners”, here. No matter what direction in which this conflict unfolds, there will be severe consequences for everyone involved. Whatever happens, the world will change forever.
Featured image © Serhii Ivashchuk, via Dreamstime.com