Iran warns of 'more painful response' if US launches further attacks

Iranian officials have vowed to escalate their response to any further attacks by the United States, warning that the era of proportional retaliation has ended. The threat comes after Iran targeted American warships in the latest round of clashes, following US raids last week. The ongoing conflict has seen Iran maintain control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz while the US continues a counter-blockade of Iranian ports and sanctions on entities with financial ties to the country.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told state media that any aggression against Iran's interests and security will face a more intense and painful response. US Central Command (Centcom) said Iranian forces unsuccessfully fired at two American warships, including an aircraft carrier and a destroyer, but Centcom claimed they successfully evaded the attacks.

In retaliation, the US military struck three oil tankers linked to Iran. Iran's IRGC also claimed to have targeted three other vessels, warning ships not to use unapproved routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Centcom denied the claim, stating no US vessels were attacked. Iranian officials remain defiant, and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright suggested Iran is clinging on to power as its nuclear program ends.