Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The White House has issued a stark warning to Tehran, stating that Iran will face military action “at a level never seen before” if it attempts to deploy mines in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments.
President Donald Trump emphasized that he is “not afraid” to use military force to ensure the passage remains open, even as oil prices stabilize following a weekend surge. The warning comes amid escalating attacks on US and Israeli interests in the region, as the conflict entered its 11th day.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated at a Pentagon briefing that the United States is preparing the “most intense day of strikes inside Iran” and insisted that Tehran is “badly losing” the conflict. He added, “We are crushing the enemy in an overwhelming display of technical skill and military force. We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reportedly launched missile attacks targeting American troops stationed at Al-Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi and Juffair base Ramat David Airbase and Haifa’s civilian airport, have also been listed among potential targets in what Iranian authorities describe as the 34th wave of attacks against US and Israeli forces.
Meanwhile, tensions have sparked broader regional and international responses. Turkey is preparing to deploy a US-made Patriot missile defense system after NATO intercepted a second ballistic missile fired by Iran, and Australia has granted asylum to members of Iran’s women’s football team over fears of persecution.
As the US and its allies prepare for further military escalation, analysts warn that the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global seaborne oil passes, makes any confrontation in the region highly consequential for international energy markets and regional security.
