Tehran: The Iranian government has issued a sharp warning to the international community, cautioning against further involvement in the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. The statement follows President Donald Trump’s recent appeal for global powers to provide naval escorts for oil tankers navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran further escalated tensions by addressing its Arab neighbours, claiming it possesses "ample evidence" that American military bases within their borders have been used to coordinate and launch strikes against Iranian territory.

"This war will end when we are certain that it will not be repeated and that reparations will be paid," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

Araghchi referenced the brief but intense 12-day air war in June 2023 as a precursor to the current violence. Global energy markets remain in turmoil, with oil prices surging by 40% as Iran threatens to fully block the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint responsible for 20% of the world's oil and gas exports.

International hesitation

While President Trump urged nations like China, France, the UK and Japan to secure the shipping lanes, the response has been lukewarm. Japan cited high legal hurdles for deploying naval assets, while the UK’s Energy Security Minister Ed Miliband emphasised the need for de-escalation.

In a weekend interview with NBC News, Trump appeared unswayed by the volatility, suggesting he might order further strikes on Kharg Island "just for fun”. He maintained that Tehran is desperate for a deal, a claim Foreign Minister Araghchi flatly denied to CBS, stating, "We don't see any reason why we should talk with Americans, because we were talking with them when they decided to attack us."

Life amidst conflict

Despite the rhetoric, a sense of "normalcy" is trickling back into Tehran ahead of the Persian New Year, Nowruz. Though international internet access remains cut and prices are soaring, bazaars have partially reopened and residents are returning to the streets.

However, the human cost continues to mount. The UN reports that 3.2 million people have been displaced within Iran, while the Pentagon claims over 15,000 targets have been struck since the conflict intensified on February 28.

AP