Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated following a series of military strikes. U.S. Central Command hit three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday in response to ballistic missile strikes launched by the IRGC against two U.S. Navy warships.
In retaliation, Iran targeted an unmanned U.S. vessel attempting to enter the Strait of Hormuz, as well as several US-linked ships and three oil tankers using unauthorized routes through the strait. This latest exchange follows a week of escalation that threatens to deepen the conflict between the two nations.
Iranian officials have warned of a more forceful and painful response to further American attacks. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated that the era of proportionate responses is over, with Tehran threatening faster and heavier retaliation after the U.S. strike on tankers inside the blockade line.
Concurrent with these hostilities, Iran acknowledged the mounting toll of U.S. sanctions and a campaign to throttle its economy by blockading oil exports. While senior sources noted that the efforts to stop sanctions evasion are becoming increasingly difficult to withstand, Iran said it will step up efforts to tackle the resulting economic problems.