Trump warns Iran of ‘total destruction’ over Strait of Hormuz, tensions rise

TEHRAN: US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran will face “total destruction” if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz or agree to a peace deal. He also threatened that Iran’s energy plants, oil fields, Kharg Island, and water purification facilities could be bombed. The warning comes after Iran reportedly intensified attacks against Gulf countries, raising fears that the situation could worsen further.

Trump claimed that progress has been made in talks between the US and a new leadership in Iran to end the conflict. Last Friday, he had said that the US would not target Iran’s energy facilities until April 6. However, his change in stance after the deployment of 3,500 US Marines and warships in the region has increased concerns about a possible ground attack.

Reports also suggest that more than 1,000 paratroopers and members of US Special Forces, trained to enter target areas and carry out attacks, have reached the region.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that an Indian national from Tamil Nadu was killed in an attack in Kuwait. The deceased has been identified as Santhana Selvam (40), a native of Kolathur in Ramanathapuram district. He was working as a contract employee in a private company. The attack took place early in the morning at a water purification plant in Kuwait, where he was on duty. The Ministry of Electricity and Water said that buildings and facilities were damaged in the attack.

The Indian Embassy expressed deep sorrow over the incident and conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased. It also said that it is in touch with Kuwaiti authorities to provide all necessary assistance and is taking steps to repatriate the body at the earliest.