Iran threatens 'more painful response' to any further US strikes

Iran has threatened a more intense and damaging response to any further US strikes, as tensions escalate in the region. The country has partially blocked passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz since the start of the conflict on February 28. Iran's top security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, has declared the establishment of a "prohibited zone" near the vital waterway, extending from the US Navy's blockade line to areas of the Persian Gulf. Any vessel entering this new zone would be added to Iran's sanctions list.

Additionally, Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, stated that the US must have realized the era of proportional responses has ended, and that any aggression against Iran's interests and security will face a "faster, more intense, and more painful response." The recent attacks included the Revolutionary Guard Corps claiming to have targeted a US naval drone, three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, US warships, and a US aircraft carrier.

The US, through CENTCOM, reported disabling two Iranian oil tankers off Iran's Kharg island and completely destroying an unladen Iranian crude oil tanker in the Sea of Oman. CENTCOM claimed American warships had successfully evaded Iran's attacks. Qalibaf also called on authorities to better manage Iranian imports to counter the US "economic asphyxiation campaign," which aims to cripple Iran's already struggling economy.

Meanwhile, clashes between Yemeni government forces and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in southern Yemen have claimed over 140 lives, with 84 Yemeni troops reportedly killed and 57 Houthi fighters among the dead. The fighting intensified as the Houthi forces advanced on the port city of Mokha and targeted the Bab al-Mandab choke point. Over 300 combatants and civilians have lost their lives since the Houthi offensive began on Thursday.