As tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to flare, President Trump issued a threatening tweet Sunday, writing: “If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!” He did not specify what threat he was referring to. On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated that Iran does not want war and that no country has the “illusion it could confront Iran,” according to state media.
Earlier this month, the U.S. deployed a carrier strike group and a bomber task force to the region, and last week The New York Times reported the Pentagon reportedly drew up a plan to send as many as 120,000 troops to the Middle East if President Trump decides to take military action against Iran.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia echoed a sentiment expressed in recent statements by U.S. officials, saying they do not want war but are prepared to respond to aggression with “all strength and determination [to] defend itself and its interests.” This follows recent attacks on several Saudi oil assets. It’s not clear who attacked Saudi oil tankers.