Iran threatens US with new missiles, plans Gulf maritime exclusion zone

Iran has warned the United States of economic warfare and claimed to have fired an advanced missile at US warships near the Strait of Hormuz, raising tensions in the ongoing conflict. The six-month war has seen a cycle of pauses and flare-ups, with the US last attacking Iranian targets on Saturday, when they struck three Iranian oil tankers.

Iran has continued to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global oil and gas supplies, without progress towards a diplomatic resolution. Iran has announced plans to establish a restricted zone in the Gulf, along with a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, though the specifics are unclear. Iranian officials have issued dual threats of economic and military retaliation, including the establishment of a maritime exclusion zone.

The Qassem Basir missile, touted as an upgraded weapon with improved maneuverability, has been used in combat against Israel recently. Despite major US strikes degrading Iran's conventional forces and hurting its economy, Iran has retained its missile and drone capabilities to threaten oil tankers and attack Gulf neighbors. The conflict, unpopular in the US, has impacted energy prices and threatened Republican Party prospects in the upcoming congressional elections.