Washington DC/Tehran/Vienna, April 6 (ANI): US President Donald Trump has claimed that Washington sent weapons to anti-regime protesters in Iran through Kurdish intermediaries, though he suggested the arms may not have reached their intended recipients. Speaking to Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump said, “we sent them a lot of guns… through the Kurds,” adding that he believes “the Kurds kept them.”
Trump also alleged that the Iranian government “slaughtered 45,000 people” during the protests. The demonstrations, initially sparked by economic grievances, evolved into broader political unrest, with many calling for systemic change. While rights groups report thousands killed in the crackdown, Tehran has stated that over 3,000 people died in violence it attributes to “terrorists” backed by the US and Israel.
The US President’s remarks come amid escalating rhetoric, including a sharp warning to Iran to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences. Trump, in a post, threatened sweeping attacks on Iran’s energy and infrastructure, declaring that “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day,” while also noting ongoing “deep negotiations” with Tehran in an interview with Axios. He warned that failure to reach a deal could trigger major military action, saying, “if they don’t make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there.”
Iran swiftly condemned the remarks, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accusing Trump of reckless escalation. In a post on X, Ghalibaf warned that such actions could drag the United States into a “living hell” and destabilize the wider region. He further alleged that US actions align with the interests of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, cautioning that war would bring no gains and urging respect for the rights of the Iranian people.
Amid the rising tensions, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers (OPEC+) announced a production increase of 206,000 barrels per day starting May 2026, citing efforts to stabilize global oil markets. The group also expressed concern over attacks on energy infrastructure and disruptions to key maritime routes, warning that such developments heighten volatility and threaten supply security. Crude prices have surged close to USD 120 per barrel amid the ongoing conflict and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, violence has extended beyond Iran, with Iranian-linked militias launching fresh attacks on US diplomatic facilities in Iraq, according to the US State Department. The attacks targeted American personnel and sites, including previously hit locations such as Baghdad and Erbil, underscoring the widening scope of the conflict. Washington condemned the strikes and warned it would act to defend its personnel if necessary, as tensions between the US and Iran continue to intensify. (ANI)
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