Iran has warned the United States of “economic warfare” and claimed it fired an advanced missile towards US warships near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of another escalation in the six-month conflict.
Iranian state media reported that the Qassem Basir missile was launched on Monday. Tehran said the move was intended to send a warning to Washington as tensions continue around the vital waterway.
The US military said its warships had avoided any missile attacks. Washington last reported strikes on Iranian targets on Saturday, when US forces hit three Iranian oil tankers, including one near Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export centre.
Iran has continued disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz despite US efforts to reopen the route. Around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments normally pass through the waterway, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for energy markets.
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran planned to announce a new restricted zone in the Gulf and publish maps for a proposed shipping corridor through the strait.
He said vessels entering the restricted area would be placed on an Iranian sanctions list. Rezaei also warned that Iran’s military posture towards American ships and bases had changed significantly.
Iran has described the Qassem Basir as an upgraded ballistic missile with greater manoeuvrability and improved resistance to electronic warfare. Iranian media have claimed the weapon can challenge missile defence systems.
The threats come as analysts question how long Iran can sustain pressure on shipping while facing increasingly severe US sanctions. Shipping data showed an average of only 10 commodity vessels a day passing through the Strait of Hormuz during the past 10 days, the lowest level since May.
US President Donald Trump has said oil prices will fall sharply if Washington wins the war and repeated his claim that Iran will not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
However, the US administration has yet to achieve all of its stated objectives, including ending Iran’s nuclear programme and weakening its ability to threaten neighbouring countries. Iran’s leadership remains in power and continues to seek sanctions relief.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 12 people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The attacks have raised concerns about renewed fighting with Hezbollah despite a June ceasefire.
In a separate development, a Saudi-led coalition said Houthi attacks from Yemen had wounded 73 people in Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claimed strikes on Abha airport, King Khalid air base and Aramco facilities. The coalition said it would take measures to respond to the attacks.
