Washington/Tehran: The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has entered its 11th day with tensions reaching a boiling point. On Tuesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the US military is preparing for its "most intense" day of strikes yet. Meanwhile, a new environmental crisis has emerged as the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a stern warning about "toxic rain" falling over parts of Iran.
Pete Hegseth: "Iran is Losing Badly"
In a briefing at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Tuesday would see the largest deployment of fighter jets and bombers since the start of Operation Epic Fury. He claimed that Iran’s military strength is fading fast and that the regime is "badly losing" the battle.
According to US officials, the operation has already been highly successful. Over the last 10 days, the US military has reportedly destroyed more than 50 Iranian naval vessels, including a massive drone carrier ship. Hegseth noted that Iran's ability to fire missiles has dropped significantly, suggesting that their defense systems are crumbling under the pressure of constant strikes.
Iran’s Bold Response to President Trump
Despite the claims from Washington, Iran has signaled that it will not back down. Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, responded directly to the threats. He stated that the Iranian people have faced many powerful enemies in the past and have always survived.
Larijani issued a sharp warning to US President Donald Trump, saying that those who talk about "eliminating" Iran should be careful they don't get eliminated themselves. He emphasized that Iran is not afraid of "empty threats" and is prepared to defend its soil at any cost.
WHO Issues "Black Rain" Health Alert in Iran
As the war rages on, the people of Iran are facing a new danger from the sky. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of "Black Rain" or toxic rain falling in the region. This happens when smoke and chemicals from bombed oil depots mix with clouds.
Why is this rain dangerous?
- Toxic Chemicals: The rain contains harmful substances like sulfur oxides and nitrogen compounds.
- Health Risks: It can cause breathing problems, skin irritation, and severe headaches.
- Long-term Effects: Experts worry that prolonged exposure could lead to serious diseases like cancer.
The WHO has advised residents in affected areas to stay indoors and keep their windows closed to avoid breathing in the polluted air.
Good News for India: No Petrol-Diesel Shortage
While many countries are worried about rising fuel costs due to the war, the Indian Government has shared a very reassuring update. Even if the global supply of oil is disrupted, India is well-prepared.
India currently holds a massive stock of 25 crore barrels (about 4,000 crore litres) of crude oil and petroleum products. The government confirmed that this backup is enough to keep the country running smoothly for 7 to 8 weeks without any new imports. This means there is no immediate reason to panic about petrol or diesel prices at local pumps.
Impact on People: Will Global Oil Prices Fall?
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the current rise in oil prices is only temporary. She explained that the US military is targeting Iran’s missile production and oil infrastructure to ensure "energy dominance."
The White House believes that once Operation Epic Fury is over, the global flow of oil will be safer and prices could actually drop below pre-war levels. However, for now, the Strait of Hormuz remains a tense zone, as it handles nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply.
As the 11th day of the war unfolds, the world remains on edge. While the US and Israel push forward with their military goals, the humanitarian and environmental costs in Iran are rising. For the global audience, the focus remains on whether these "intense strikes" will bring an end to the conflict or trigger a larger regional explosion.