Stephen Lendman

Russia and Iran accused Washington of crossing unacceptable red lines in attacking Syria - jointly saying they’ll respond to further US aggression, according to Reuters.

A joint statement published by the Ilam al Harbi media outlet said “(w)hat America waged in an aggression on Syria is a crossing of red lines.”

“From now on we will respond with force to any aggressor or any breach of red lines from whoever it is and America knows our ability to respond well.”

If Reuters’ report is accurate, the risk of war involving Russia, Iran and their allies against Washington is ominously possible - endangering the entire region and humanity if launched.

On Sunday, Vladmir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani discussed Trump’s aggression by phone. Both leaders agreed on the importance of supporting Syrian sovereignty and its people.

“We condemn the US missile attacks on Syria and regard them as a case of explicit violation of the sovereignty of an independent country,” Rouhani stressed.

“It is imperative that this unilateral US move be discussed and condemned at the United Nations Security Council.”

He denounced the use of CWs in Syria, saying, “(r)eports indicate that terrorists have access to chemical weapons and the US strikes will prompt terrorist groups to use (them) once again.”

He accused Trump of aggression against Syria to support takfiri terrorists. Putin denounced his action, calling it premeditated.

Both leaders called for an independent investigation into the April 4 Khan Sheikhoun CW attack. No evidence links it to Assad.

They accused Washington of illegally establishing a longterm occupation of northern Syria.

Separately on Sunday, neocon US UN envoy Nikki Haley said Trump may impose tougher sanctions on Russia and Iran. Nothing “is off the table, she stressed.

Neocons running Trump’s geopolitical agenda upped the stakes with Friday’s naked aggression on Syria.

Further attacks could draw America into direct confrontation with Russia and Iran, risking war that could go nuclear, a doomsday prospect if launched.

Instead of backing off from his irresponsible act, he tweeted: “Congratulations to our great military men and women for representing the United States, and the world, so well in the Syria attack.”

What’ll he tweet or do if Russia responds militarily to his next aggression, if ordered?

He’s in way over his head, following bad advice from reckless neocons, deploring peace, urging wars, wanting them waged endlessly to advance America’s imperium - even at the risk of mass annihilation.

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Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at http://www.sjlendman.blogspot.com.

Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.