Iranian Speaker Criticizes US and Israel for Creating Regional Crisis, Warns of Reciprocal Response to Attacks on Infrastructure

On March 9, Xinhua News Agency reported from Tehran (reporter Chen Xiao, Shadati) that the Speaker of the Iranian Islamic Consultative Assembly, Ghalibaf, stated on the 8th that the United States and Israel are the main factors causing regional inflation and insecurity, and warned that strikes against infrastructure will inevitably be met with a reciprocal response.

Ghalibaf said that Iran has demonstrated new missile combat capabilities in the "Real Commitment 4" operation by adjusting tactics and employing asymmetric warfare methods, disrupting the enemy's air defense system calculations in multiple rounds of operations. He stated that the phased reduction in firepower does not indicate weakness, but rather stems from an increased emphasis on "quality and precision" in operational design. "The Iron Dome air defense system is no longer the so-called 'Iron Dome'; we can strike wherever we want."

Ghalibaf mentioned that the U.S. initially expected the conflict to end in a short time, but this assessment has failed, and the situation has entered a phase of attrition, impacting both the regional and global economy. He stated that Iran does not seek a ceasefire with the aggressors but emphasizes the need for decisive punishment against them. If strikes against Iran's energy reserves and other infrastructure continue, Iran will respond in kind.

Ghalibaf also criticized U.S. President Trump for making decisions based on erroneous analyses and intelligence provided by Israel, claiming that Israel is exerting influence on the U.S. government. He said that Trump has placed Israeli interests above "America First," causing U.S. soldiers and the American economy to "pay the price" for Israel.