Iran has reacted sharply to warnings from US President Donald Trump, who threatened that "hell" would fall on Tehran if the Strait of Hormuz was not opened by a set deadline.
In a statement carried by Iranian state media, a spokesman for the authorities warned of serious consequences in the event of an escalation of the conflict.
"Remember that if the aggression expands, the entire region will turn into hell for you. The illusion of defeating the Islamic Republic of Iran has turned into a swamp where you will sink," the reaction said.
A senior source from Tehran told Ria Novosti that Iran is ready to withdraw from the conflict only if its right to develop a nuclear program for peaceful purposes is recognized and all sanctions are lifted.
Meanwhile, in central Iran, the race against time continues. The US military is desperately searching for the co-pilot of the F-15E jet that crashed Friday in Kohgiluyeh province. While one crew member was successfully rescued in a lightning operation, the fate of his colleague remains a mystery. Tehran has officially offered a $60,000 reward for his capture, if he is alive.
The downing of this plane marked a Black Friday for the Pentagon, which also confirmed the loss of a second bomber, hit over the Strait of Hormuz. However, the pilot of the latter managed to eject outside Iranian territory and has been declared rescued.
The situation this Saturday has escalated with new attacks. Israel has launched a massive wave of bombings on infrastructure in Tehran and Damascus. Powerful explosions were heard north of the Iranian capital, while a missile landed dangerously near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, killing a security guard.
In northern Israel, the missile defense system was activated again after a new wave of rockets from Iran and Lebanon.