Iran has threatened the United States with what it described as “economic warfare” while claiming to have used an advanced missile against US warships, as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia raise fears of a broader regional conflict.
The warning came as Tehran announced plans to establish a new restricted maritime zone in the Persian Gulf, further escalating tensions around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The latest developments follow months of intermittent fighting between Iran and the United States, with renewed attacks threatening to undermine efforts to contain the conflict.
Iranian state media said Tehran had used the Qassem Basir ballistic missile against US warships near the Strait of Hormuz. The US military, however, said its vessels avoided the reported attacks, and there was no confirmation of any successful strike.
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi fighters launched attacks on several locations in southern Saudi Arabia, injuring 73 people, according to Saudi authorities. The attacks also caused fires at oil facilities and other infrastructure, with operations at some affected sites temporarily suspended.
The attacks have heightened concerns that the conflict could spread beyond Iran and the United States, drawing more countries and armed groups into a wider regional confrontation.
Tensions have also intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil and gas shipments. Maritime traffic through the waterway has slowed significantly as the conflict continues to disrupt commercial shipping.
Iranian officials say Tehran will announce a new restricted zone in the Gulf and publish maps for a new shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz.
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the proposed zone would extend from the point where the US naval blockade begins into parts of the Gulf.
He said any vessel entering the designated area could be placed on an Iranian sanctions list. Rezaei also said Iran and Oman had agreed on a new international shipping corridor through the Strait, with Iran managing its entry and exit points.
Rezaei has also warned that Iran’s military response to US pressure has changed, saying Washington had received a clear warning from Tehran’s new missiles.
Iran has described the Qassem Basir as an advanced ballistic missile with greater manoeuvrability and enhanced capabilities against missile-defence systems. However, claims about its effectiveness against US naval forces remain disputed.
The latest escalation comes after the United States carried out strikes against Iranian targets and imposed further pressure on Tehran’s military and economy.
Iran has continued to threaten retaliation against US interests in the region, including energy infrastructure and shipping, as Washington seeks to maintain pressure on Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the confrontation because of its importance to global energy markets. The waterway previously carried roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, according to Reuters.
Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the strait could therefore push energy prices higher and increase pressure on economies that depend on Middle Eastern oil and gas supplies.
The latest Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have added another potentially dangerous front to the conflict. Saudi Arabia is a key US partner in the region and one of the world’s largest oil producers.
The attacks have also increased concerns about the security of Saudi energy infrastructure at a time when global markets are already responding to disruptions in regional shipping.
US President Donald Trump has continued to defend his administration’s military campaign against Iran, saying Washington’s objectives include ending Iran’s nuclear programme, preventing attacks on neighbouring countries and creating conditions for a change in the Iranian leadership.
Iran’s clerical leadership, however, remains in power and has shown no indication that it intends to surrender to US pressure.
Tehran continues to demand relief from US sanctions while seeking to maintain its influence over the Strait of Hormuz and preserve its ability to generate revenue from regional energy exports.
Goodness Anunobi
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