Escalation of the Middle East War: Iran Launches Attacks on Kurdish Organizations, White House Confirms President Trump's Meeting with "Kurdish Leaders"

On Thursday, March 5th, Iran claimed to have launched missiles toward the headquarters of Kurdish armed forces in Iraq. AFP reported that this move has heightened concerns about the war spreading across the entire Middle East and its impact on the global economy.

Last Saturday, February 28th, the US and Israeli governments launched a large-scale attack against Iran, accusing Tehran of trying to acquire nuclear weapons and planning attacks.

After losing Supreme Leader Khamenei (killed on the first day of the war) and several senior generals, Tehran is retaliating by launching drone and missile clusters targeting Israeli and US allies in the Gulf region.

IMF Director Georgieva warned on Thursday that the global economy is once again facing a test due to the Middle East war.

Meanwhile, South Korea announced the launch of a $6.8 billion market stabilization fund following a historic crash in the Seoul stock market.

According to a report from Bloomberg on Thursday, China has asked its major refiners to suspend diesel and gasoline exports due to concerns about energy shortages.

- Warnings and Escalation -

Iran claimed to have fired missiles at the headquarters of Kurdish armed groups in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, where American troops are stationed, sparking fears of further escalation of the conflict.

A military statement cited by Iranian state media Irna on Thursday said: "We used three missiles to attack the headquarters of anti-revolutionary Kurdish organizations in the Iraqi Kurdistan region." According to a spokesperson, these attacks resulted in the death of a member of an exiled Iranian Kurdish organization. Iran had issued multiple warnings beforehand.

"Separatists should not imagine that 'a change of regime' will allow them to take action," warned Iran's Supreme National Security Council Chairman Larijani.

The White House发言人 denied previous reports by several American media outlets claiming that "the US plans to arm Kurdish militias to incite an anti-Iran uprising," but confirmed that Trump held talks with "Kurdish leaders" at a US base in northern Iraq.

- Senate Victory -

Additionally, Trump won a political victory on Wednesday: with the firm support of the Republican majority, the Senate voted to reject a resolution aimed at limiting his authority to wage war against Iran.

On Wednesday, an American submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, marking the first such incident since World War II. Sri Lankan authorities responsible for the rescue operation reported that at least 87 sailors had died and dozens were missing.

Washington and Israel insisted that Iran's counterattack capabilities were dwindling. An Israeli military spokesperson said on Wednesday evening that the number of Iranian missiles launched at Israel was "decreasing daily." President Trump also assured, "We are now in a strong position."

However, according to preliminary reports, Iran launched another round of missiles at Israel on Thursday, although no casualties have been reported so far.

Early Thursday morning, Israel also launched a new round of attacks on Lebanon. After Israeli forces advanced into several villages along the southern border, airstrikes entered their fourth day. AFP footage showed thick smoke rising over the city center after an attack on a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut.

Lebanon was drawn into the war after Hezbollah launched its first attack on Israel, claiming it was revenge for Khamenei's death. Despite the Lebanese government's wish for them to lay down arms, Hezbollah leader Qassem stated firmly on Wednesday evening: "We will never surrender."

- Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz -

Cities that were previously distant from regional turmoil, such as Dubai and Riyadh, are now in chaos: US embassies closed, tourists stranded, thousands of flights canceled, refineries and oil tankers attacked.

Shipping remains paralyzed in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, responsible for overseas operations, claimed on Wednesday that it "completely controlled" the passage, which usually transports 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas.

In this extremely tense situation, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Office (UKMTO) said on Thursday that a tanker anchored near Kuwait suffered a "strong explosion." According to the agency, there was crude oil leakage on board, but the crew is currently safe.

- Mourning for Khamenei -

Under continuous bombing, Tehran resembles a dead city, with most residents who did not flee staying indoors.

"Tehran is as quiet as yesterday. The streets that were attacked are blocked, and workers are clearing debris. Police patrol everywhere," described Tehran resident Abid on Telegram.

Iranian authorities postponed the state funeral originally scheduled for Khamenei, and no new date has been given. The official did not explain whether this is related to the security situation, only stating that preparations need to be made for the expected large crowds of mourners.

According to Iranian state television, thousands of people gathered across Iran on Wednesday evening to mourn Khamenei. Some participants held slogans reading "Death to America" and "Death to Israel."

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858844643481600/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author."