The message from Iran's Speaker, Karoubi, is quite harsh. He posted on a social platform saying:
"In addition to military bases, financial institutions that fund the U.S. military budget are also legitimate targets for attack. The U.S. Treasury bonds are soaked in the blood of Iranians. Buying these bonds is actually an attack on your own headquarters and assets. We will closely monitor your investment portfolio. This is your final notice."
Normally understood, if those military bases are "primary targets," then financial institutions and investment portfolios would be the "secondary targets" that Iran is preparing to strike. Any benefit to the U.S. military and finance sector automatically becomes a target for attack.
The top few countries holding the most U.S. Treasuries are clearly visible, with Japan at the top. Are they all going to be included?
The speaker specifically used English to post, targeting specific readers.
Karoubi's post has a religious understanding of bonds, meaning that bonds that pay interest are forbidden, and those used to make bombs are doubly forbidden. Turning financial tools into war tools, Iran will not tolerate this silently.
As someone seen as a potential successor to Larijani, Karoubi, in his capacity as speaker, issuing this "final notice"—is it an emotional outburst or a serious warning?
The speaker's intention should be targeting those who fund the U.S.
If it is a final ultimatum, it needs to be verified whether it has been coordinated with the Revolutionary Guard.
Otherwise, the scope of the strike is too broad to be a realistic military option.
For Iran, retaliating against the U.S. and Israel could gain sympathy, but losing public opinion would be a pity.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860408481429514/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.