Iran Criticizes US, Ghalibaf Threatens Retaliatory Attacks
Tensions between the United States (US) and Iran have escalated again after Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a stern warning to Washington. He emphasized that any US attack would be met with an immediate response from Tehran.
Through his official account on the platform X, Ghalibaf assessed that the US government has not learned from the series of conflicts that have occurred so far. He argued that an approach based on threats and violations of commitments will never benefit Washington.
“America still hasn’t learned that intimidation and broken promises are not without consequences. Let me state this clearly: if you attack, you will be attacked,” Ghalibaf wrote, as quoted on Friday (July 10, 2026).
In addition to threatening retaliation, Ghalibaf also addressed the strategic position of the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil distribution route. He emphasized that traffic in the region will only proceed in accordance with interests and agreements with Iran, not due to pressure from any party.
This statement comes amid a renewed escalation in the conflict. United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it had launched strikes against approximately 90 Iranian military targets. The operation’s targets range from air defense systems to logistics facilities along the coast.
The US government stated that the operation aims to reduce Iran’s military capabilities, which it believes could disrupt the security of merchant ships and international shipping lanes in the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, Iran claims at least 14 people have died in the past two days as a result of US military attacks. Tehran also claims to have retaliated by attacking several assets linked to American interests in the Gulf region.
The escalation of the conflict has also affected international shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz. The independent tanker owners’ organization Intertanko reported a significant decrease in the number of ships passing through the waterway.
Where previously around 70 ships passed through daily, the number is now only around 30. In fact, ship traffic in the southern route near Oman is said to be in the single digits. This situation has raised new concerns about the smooth flow of global energy supplies and the stability of global trade.
