Iran mocks Trump's new threat,
Photo: Francisco Seco /AP/TT

Iran mocks Trump's new threat, calls it unbalanced and stupid

The search for a U.S. pilot whose plane was shot down by Iran continues. President Donald Trump has issued a new warning that he will unleash "all hell" if Iran does not agree to a deal "within 48 hours." Iran’s military has called the threat "an unbalanced and stupid act."

The US and Israel continue their offensive against targets in Iran. Attacks have been carried out near the nuclear power plant in Bushehr, among other places. One person was killed, but the plant itself was reportedly not damaged.

Petrochemical facilities in the southwestern Iranian city of Bandar-e Mahshahr have also been attacked, including a factory that produces "key components" for ballistic missiles. Five people were killed, according to Iran.

New attacks were also reported in Tehran and elsewhere.

Iran continues its counterattacks. The United Arab Emirates said its air defenses had intercepted 23 ballistic missiles and 56 drones from Iran on Saturday. Kuwait's army said eight missiles and about 20 drones were sent toward Kuwait.

Reward issued

Inside Iran, authorities were searching for an American pilot after an F-15 carrying two crew was shot down on Friday. One of the crew has been rescued by US rescue forces.

Iran has offered a reward of over half a million kronor for those who capture the pilot. The US has sent special forces to try to get the crew member out of the country.

An aircraft that was part of the rescue operation was also shot down on Friday, but the pilot survived and was rescued.

On Saturday, President Trump issued a new warning, similar to his previous one, to the regime in Tehran. He said that “hell” will befall Iran in two days if the country does not agree to a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz.

Previous deadlines

Trump has previously threatened Tehran with deadlines. On March 21 he said he would “destroy” Iran’s energy facilities “within 48 hours” if shipping through the vital strait was not reopened. Two days later, Trump wrote on Truth Social that “productive talks” were underway.

General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi at the Iranian military headquarters Khatam al-Anbiya described the latest move as a "helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid act" in a statement.

In an echo of Trump's often religious imagery, the general warned the American president that "the gates of hell will open for you."

Attempts at negotiations have so far failed, and on Friday there were reports that Iran was rejecting talks in Pakistan's capital - even though Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reopened meetings on Saturday.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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