Iran says it plans new Gulf 'exclusion zone', threatens US with new missiles

Iran has threatened the United States with economic warfare and announced plans to establish a new Gulf exclusion zone, according to Iranian officials. This threat comes amid ongoing tensions in the region following a cycle of pauses and flare-ups in the conflict. The Islamic Republic has recently fired an advanced missile at US warships, highlighting the risks of further escalation.

The six-month-old war has been marked by a series of confrontations, with the US last reporting attacks on Iranian targets on Saturday. Despite efforts to open up the Strait of Hormuz, Iran continues to disrupt shipping through the critical artery for global oil and gas supplies. Iran's secretary of the Supreme National Security Council stated that any vessel entering the new restricted zone would be placed on an Iranian sanctions list.

The US military has stated that its warships evaded any missile attacks. Iran claims the Qassem Basir missile is an upgraded version with improved maneuverability and effective against electronic warfare. The recent conflict has raised concerns about Iran's leverage in the Strait of Hormuz and the potential impact on global oil prices.