Tehran: A senior Iranian lawmaker has issued a stark warning that regional energy infrastructure could face missile attacks if the United States launches military strikes against Iran. Hamidreza Haji Babaei, deputy speaker of the Iranian parliament, conveyed this message, emphasizing Tehran's readiness to deliver a forceful response to any US aggression.
According to Anadolu Agency, Haji Babaei stated that even the smallest US military action against Iran would lead to a barrage of Iranian missiles targeting all energy facilities in the region. He warned that such a conflict would result in Washington losing access to its oil, gas, and other regional interests for an extended period.
Haji Babaei further commented on the lack of concern in Tehran regarding US military threats, suggesting that Washington might be hesitant to engage in a direct conflict despite the recent rise in regional tensions. These remarks follow US President Donald Trump's declaration that Washington would react to an Iranian attack, which resulted in the downing of a US military Apache helicopter above the Strait of Hormuz. While Trump insisted on a necessary US response, US Central Command confirmed the recovery of two crew members and noted that the cause of the crash was still under investigation.
In a related development, an Iranian deputy foreign minister informed Al Jazeera that Iran had not intentionally targeted the helicopter, denying Tehran's involvement in the attack. The official acknowledged that, given the region's tense situation, such incidents could occur unintentionally.
Haji Babaei criticized the US for crossing many of Iran's red lines during the ceasefire period and urged Tehran to concentrate on overcoming economic pressures and sanctions. He also highlighted that the current 'no war, no peace' situation was unfavorable for Iran. Nevertheless, he asserted that any hostile actions by foreign military aircraft, helicopters, or vessels in the region would be met with a response from Iran's armed forces, including the army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).