Iran Threatens US With ‘Economic Warfare’ as Gulf Tensions Rise

Iran threatened the United States with “economic warfare” on Tuesday and claimed it had launched an advanced ballistic missile toward U.S. warships, raising concerns about another escalation in the six-month conflict.

The warning follows renewed clashes over the weekend. U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday, while Iranian state media reported that Tehran fired its Qassem Basir missile a day later.

Tensions remain particularly high around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Iran has continued disrupting maritime traffic despite U.S. efforts to reopen the waterway.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran plans to establish a new restricted maritime zone in the Persian Gulf and introduce a shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. Vessels entering the restricted area could be placed on an Iranian sanctions list.

On Tuesday, Rezaei warned that U.S. economic pressure would be answered with a “maritime exclusion zone” and said Iran had fundamentally changed its military posture toward American warships and bases.

Iranian media said the Qassem Basir ballistic missile was launched toward U.S. naval vessels near Hormuz. The U.S. military said its ships successfully avoided missile attacks.

Tehran describes the Qassem Basir as an upgraded missile featuring greater maneuverability, resistance to electronic warfare and capabilities designed to evade missile defenses. Iranian media previously reported that the weapon was first used in combat against Israel in June 2025.

Iran continues to possess missile and drone capabilities despite heavy U.S. strikes that have weakened its conventional forces. Meanwhile, tougher U.S. sanctions are increasing pressure on Iran’s economy.

Shipping through Hormuz has fallen sharply, averaging about 10 commodity vessels per day over the past 10 days, the lowest level since May. Before the war, roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments passed through the strait.

President Donald Trump said oil prices could fall sharply if the U.S. wins the war, while maintaining that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Regional tensions have also intensified after Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 12 people on Monday, complicating diplomatic efforts to end the broader Middle East conflict.