Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States. It says it will launch “long and painful strikes” against American positions in the Gulf region if Washington restarts military attacks.
Tehran also repeated its claim over the Strait of Hormuz. This important waterway remains effectively closed, disrupting global oil and gas supplies. About 20% of the world’s energy passes through this narrow sea route. The closure has pushed oil prices higher and raised fears of an economic crisis.
The warning came from senior officials of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). They said any new US attack, even a limited one, would be met with strong and sustained retaliation. An aerospace commander warned that American warships could face the same fate as US bases hit earlier.
The current tensions are part of the 2026 US-Israel conflict with Iran. A ceasefire has been in place since early April, but disputes over the Strait of Hormuz continue. Iran calls its actions defensive, while many countries have condemned the blockade.
Regional leaders worry about a wider war. The situation has already affected shipping, raised energy costs, and increased instability in the Middle East. Both sides say they want to avoid full escalation, but the threat of new strikes keeps global markets on edge.
