Iran Showcases Underground Arsenal Amid Ongoing US-Israel Conflict
In the context of the ongoing US-Israel military operations against Iran, which have persisted for nearly two weeks, Iran has unveiled one of its underground facilities brimming with missiles, drones, and sea mines. This move signals to Western nations that Iran possesses sufficient military resources to continue the conflict. The Iranian government released footage showcasing extensive underground tunnels filled with naval drones, anti-ship missiles, and sea mines. According to reports from US officials, Iran has also laid numerous sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
The footage, aired by Iran's state television, referred to the site as a 'missile city.' It depicted a long, narrow tunnel stocked with various weaponry. However, the timing of the footage's recording remains uncertain, leaving questions about whether the displayed arms are part of current supplies or if the video is older.
In a related development, US President Donald Trump informed G7 leaders that Iran is 'on the verge of surrender,' claiming success in what he termed Operation Epic Fury. This assertion was made during a virtual G7 meeting, amidst rising concerns regarding the economic repercussions of the conflict with Iran. Trump stated, 'I got rid of a cancer that was threatening us all,' while European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron, urged him to expedite the end of the war. They expressed worries about Russia potentially benefiting from the situation or receiving sanctions relief, despite the US's recent temporary authorization for other nations to buy Russian oil currently stranded at sea.
US Claims Injuries to Iranian Leadership
On Friday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the US is significantly weakening the Iranian military, claiming that the new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has been injured and is 'likely disfigured.' Hegseth described the Iranian leadership as 'desperate and hiding,' suggesting they have gone underground to evade capture. 'That's what rats do,' he remarked, confirming the reports of Khamenei's injuries.
With inputs from AP