US probes NIAC founder Trita Parsi for possible deportation - Free Press

A senior Iranian armed forces spokesperson said on Thursday that the forces were fully prepared, and the country’s military power was far greater than during the 12-day war.

Abolfazl Shekarchi rejected what he called enemy claims that Iran’s defense equipment had been destroyed.

He added that Iran’s armed forces had inflicted heavy losses on the US.

Iran’s foreign ministry said on Thursday that recent US attacks on Iran had effectively made the April 8 ceasefire meaningless and warned that Washington would bear responsibility for the “very dangerous consequences of the escalation.”

The ministry warned that regional countries allowing the United States to use their territory or facilities to prepare or carry out strikes would be placing themselves alongside the attackers.

The ministry said the attacks violated the UN Charter and international law on respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A US projectile hit a 150-ton cargo dhow from Sirik in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province in the Sea of Oman early on Thursday, Sirik governor said.

Reza Shahidian said the dhow had five crew members, who were rescued with help from passing vessels and transferred to Oman.

The vessel was hit five miles from Oman’s Khasab port while carrying basic goods from Khasab toward Sirik, he said.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a phone call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Thursday to discuss regional developments and continued diplomatic engagement, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said.

The ministry said Abdelatty welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts and that both sides hoped ongoing efforts would lead to an early understanding between the parties.

A tanker experienced an engine-room fire about 21 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, Oman, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said on Thursday.

UKMTO said no environmental impact had been reported, authorities were investigating, and vessels were advised to transit with caution.