WASHINGTON DC: The United States and Iran have intensified their war of words, with both sides threatening severe consequences as efforts continue to locate a missing US airman following a downed fighter jet.
US President Donald Trump warned that “all hell would rain down” on Iran if it failed to reach an agreement, prompting a sharp response from Tehran. An Iranian military spokesperson cautioned that escalating tensions involving the US and Israel could turn the entire region into “hell.”
Amid the rising tensions, Iran launched additional missile strikes on Gulf countries, Iraq and Israel on Saturday, with debris from intercepted missiles causing damage in several areas, BBC reported.
At the same time, both US and Iranian forces are searching for a missing American crew member after a F-15 fighter jet was shot down over southern Iran on Friday.
US media reported that the pilot has been rescued, but the status of another crew member remains unknown. Iranian authorities have reportedly urged civilians to help locate the missing individual and are offering rewards.
A A-10 Warthog involved in the rescue mission was also hit but managed to return safely, with its pilot rescued, according to BBC.
Tensions have further escalated since March 27, when Trump announced a temporary pause in attacks on energy infrastructure to allow room for negotiations. He later renewed his warning, demanding Iran act within 48 hours, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials responded with equally strong rhetoric, warning that continued pressure would drag the region into deeper conflict. The situation has already disrupted global energy supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes—remains largely blocked.
As a result, global oil prices have surged, with Brent crude rising from around $73 to over $100 per barrel in recent weeks. While some vessels have cautiously resumed transit, ongoing attacks and uncertainty have significantly reduced normal shipping activity through the critical route.
(Inputs from BBC)
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