Iran warns of ‘much more devastating’ retaliation if US and Israel strike civilian targets

Government spokesperson said that dozens of universities, schools, and research institutions have been attacked by US-Israeli forces since the war began on February 28.

The US president, Donald Trump, used expletive-laden language to call on Iran to let ships through the strait of Hormuz as he threatened to further attack Iranian energy and transport infrastructure. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said: “Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell.”

Earlier Trump announced a time at which the US military would probably start attacking Iran’s energy infrastructure. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “Tuesday, 8:00 PM Eastern Time.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the attacks on petrochemical plants ⁠in the UAE, Kuwait ‌and Bahrain and warned the United States that attacks on its economic interests would be intensified, if attacks on civilian targets ⁠in Iran are ‌repeated.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed that the weapons officer, who went missing after his F-15E jet was shot down over Iran, has been rescued by the American officers. “He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine,” Trump added.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump warned that “all hell will rain down” on Iran if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz or reach a deal within 48 hours, as Tehran dismissed the ultimatum as “helpless and nervous” and warned of escalation. The exchange comes as strikes continue across the region, with reported casualties in Iran and Lebanon, a drone attack on an oil site in Kuwait, and a search underway for a missing US airman after a warplane was downed. Antiwar protests have also been reported in Israel, highlighting growing regional and domestic pressure.

Iran rejected the ultimatum, with officials calling Trump’s remarks “unbalanced” and saying Tehran would not bow to pressure. An Iranian military official warned that any escalation would make the region “hell” for the United States and Israel, while authorities also pointed to civilian casualties and damage from recent strikes, including at the Mahshahr petrochemical zone.