Iran threatens expanded strikes on US warships if blockade continues

Iran's military has warned it could intensify and broaden attacks on US naval vessels if the US maintains its maritime blockade and continues to harass Iranian ships. The warning was issued by Iran's unified military command, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, according to the state broadcaster IRIB, as reported by Middle East Eye.

The US and Iran have been engaged in a stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran's military attempting to close off the waterway and the US shepherding oil tankers through. The blockade has been strangling Iran's economy, and Tehran was expected to try to change the equation with a fresh cycle of attacks. According to Fortune, Iran launched missiles at US bases and a Navy aircraft carrier and destroyer, prompting the US military to strike three Iranian oil tankers.

The US Central Command chief, Adm. Brad Cooper, said that if Iran shoots at US ships, the US will impose an even higher economic cost, and will not hesitate to defend American forces and destroy Iran's limited and exposed oil fleet if necessary, as reported by Fortune.

Brief written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye, Fortune — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.