Iran threatens to close Hormuz as clash with US widens

Iran hardened its threats against the United States by preparing broader attacks in the Middle East and warning that the Strait of Hormuz would not be safe for oil and gas shipments if Washington's strikes continue. Mohsen Rezaei, military adviser to Iran's supreme leader, said Tehran is ready to resume full-scale offensive operations in the next two to three days. Iran's Revolutionary Guard also said it targeted US aircraft at Aqaba airport in Jordan and a command center in Al-Tanf, Syria. In Kuwait, the latest Iranian attack sparked a fire at one component of a power plant and a desalination facility, though local authorities said the electricity and water networks continued operating under emergency plans. At the same time, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned Iranian forces were ready to confront a possible US invasion of Kharg Island.