Tehran: Tensions in West Asia deepened sharply after a US fighter aircraft was brought down over Iran, even as Donald Trump warned that Washington’s military campaign had yet to reach its most destructive phase.
According to US media reports, one of the pilots from the downed aircraft has been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to locate the second crew member. Conflicting accounts have emerged over the type of aircraft involved, with some sources indicating it was an F-15E, while Iranian outlets claimed it was a more advanced jet.
The incident comes hours after a strike near Tehran damaged an under-construction civilian bridge, reportedly killing eight people. The attack has drawn sharp condemnation from Iranian leadership.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticised Washington’s stance, calling recent remarks by Trump an indication of intent to inflict large-scale destruction. He warned that such actions could have serious legal and humanitarian consequences.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have reportedly announced incentives for information leading to the capture of the missing US pilot, raising concerns about the potential fallout if the individual is found by local forces.
The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of the conflict. Trump claimed that the US could reopen the vital waterway with ease, while Iranian officials signalled plans to regulate maritime passage, potentially restricting access for countries deemed hostile.
The escalating hostilities are beginning to ripple across the wider region. Kuwait reported damage to key infrastructure, including a desalination facility and an oil refinery, while the United Arab Emirates said a gas installation had come under attack. Missile strikes have also been reported in Israel, causing damage to residential areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that a significant portion of Iran’s industrial capacity has already been degraded in joint operations, signalling that further strikes could follow.
Amid the growing instability, the United Kingdom has moved to bolster regional defences by deploying air defence systems to Kuwait to counter drone and missile threats.
The economic impact is also becoming evident. Global oil prices surged, with Brent crude crossing $100 per barrel, while the United Nations warned of rising food prices worldwide, driven in part by the ongoing conflict.
With casualties mounting and infrastructure on both sides increasingly targeted, analysts caution that the situation risks spiralling into a broader regional crisis unless diplomatic efforts regain momentum.
