Iran threatens greater force if US launches more attacks

Teheran's top negotiator has warned Iran will respond more forcefully to any additional US attacks following the latest round of clashes between the two nations. The recent exchanges of fire began with American raids last week and have continued despite a six-month stalemate in hostilities. Iran currently holds control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz while the US maintains a counter-blockade of Iranian ports, aiming to choke the country's economy through sanctions.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the era of proportionate responses to Iranian interests and security is over, and any aggression will face a more intense and painful response. Iran's top security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, has announced the establishment of a "prohibited zone" near the Strait of Hormuz, encompassing areas of the Persian Gulf. Any vessel entering this zone will be added to Iran's sanctions list.

On Saturday, US Central Command confirmed that Iran had fired unsuccessfully at two American warships - an aircraft carrier and a destroyer. In response, the US targeted three oil tankers allegedly linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, triggering Iran's retaliation. The Guards claimed they had struck three oil tankers in unauthorized Strait of Hormuz routes and three other vessels associated with the US.

Iran also asserted they had attacked a US naval drone attempting to enter the Strait, a claim denied by CENTCOM spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins.

US President Donald Trump has downplayed the significance of the ongoing conflict, describing it as "small potatoes" for Washington. Iranian officials remain defiant, with the US Energy Secretary claiming Iran is clinging on to power, as their nuclear program concludes, navy, and air force weaken.