U.S., Israel wanted quick win, but they failed: Mohammad Marandi Almost two weeks after the U.S. and Israel initiated hostilities against Iran, the conflict has escalated across the region, with Iran retaliating by attacking Arab nations in the Persian Gulf, American assets, and Israel. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route, remains closed, causing global fuel prices to surge. Mohammad Marandi, a professor of English literature and orientalism at Tehran University, criticized the U.S. and Israeli actions, stating they miscalculated the situation. Marandi told The Hindu in an interview that the U.S. and Israel’s hopes for a swift victory were misplaced. He argued that the Arab Gulf states, which host U.S. military bases, are not neutral and that the conflict’s consequences are now evident. “The price of oil is going to go up,” he said, blaming the Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for the crisis. He emphasized that Iran’s actions are a response to years of U.S. and Israeli aggression, not an act of aggression itself. The professor highlighted that Iran’s military capabilities, including its drone and missile factories, are hidden underground and not easily targeted. He noted that Iran’s naval forces are well-protected, and the country is preparing for a prolonged conflict that could extend beyond the U.S. midterm elections. “The three objectives outlined by Marco Rubio—destroying Iran’s missiles, missile production, and navy—have not been met,” Marandi said. He added that the U.S. has failed to achieve its goals, losing both its soft power image and economic influence in the region. Marandi also addressed the impact of Iran’s retaliation on its regional relationships. He argued that Gulf states, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and the Emirates, have realized that U.S.#iran #united_states #israel #tehran_university #mar_Mohammad_Marandi
Large Blast Reported at Quds Day Demonstration Site in Tehran A significant explosion occurred in Tehran on Friday, striking a square where demonstrators gathered for the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, commemorations. Iranian state television reported the incident, which took place in Ferdowsi Square, located near Tehran University and close to several government buildings along Enghelab Street. The area is a focal point for ongoing protests, with crowds gathering to express support for Jerusalem. Footage from the scene showed individuals shouting “God is the greatest!” as smoke rose from the blast site. The cause of the explosion remains unclear, and neither the Israeli Defense Forces nor Iranian authorities have issued statements or comments on the incident. The event has raised concerns about the safety of protesters and the stability of the region during heightened tensions. The explosion adds to a series of incidents in the area, which has been a site of frequent demonstrations and clashes between protesters and security forces. While the exact circumstances of the blast are still under investigation, the incident underscores the volatile nature of the situation in Tehran. Authorities have not provided further details, leaving the public to await official explanations. The event has also drawn attention to the broader context of the ongoing protests, which have been marked by both peaceful gatherings and sporadic violence. The location of the explosion, near key government infrastructure, has raised questions about potential targeting of state institutions. However, no immediate claims of responsibility have been made, and the situation remains under scrutiny.#tehran #ferdowsi_square #quds_day #tehran_university #enghelab_street
