Tehran: Iran has warned the United States against targeting Iranian oil tankers and commercial vessels, stating that any further attacks would trigger a “strong response” from Tehran.
The warning was issued by the naval wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps through Iranian state television after the US reportedly attacked two Iranian oil tankers in the region.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy warned that any aggression against Iranian shipping would be met with heavy attacks on American military bases and “enemy vessels” operating in the Gulf region.
The latest developments have raised fresh concerns over the fragile month-long ceasefire between the two countries. Washington is currently awaiting Tehran’s response to a new proposal aimed at ending the conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and scaling back Iran’s nuclear programme.
The US military claimed that the targeted tankers were attempting to bypass American sanctions imposed on Iranian ports. Washington also stated that it had prevented attacks on three commercial ships and carried out strikes against Iranian military facilities near the strategic waterway.
Meanwhile, tensions have also escalated in Bahrain, where the US Navy’s regional headquarters is based. Bahraini authorities announced that 41 people had been arrested over alleged links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Iran responded by warning Bahrain against supporting what it described as US-backed actions in the region. Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Commission, said the Strait of Hormuz remains a “vital lifeline” and warned against any moves that could lead to its permanent closure.
Despite the growing tensions, Donald Trump insisted that the ceasefire remains in effect. However, he again warned that the United States would resume large-scale bombing operations if Iran refused to accept the proposed agreement.
An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tehran was not under pressure regarding deadlines and was still reviewing the latest US proposal.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials also sought to dismiss speculation surrounding the health of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. A senior Iranian official stated that Khamenei is in good health and is expected to appear publicly soon.
The remarks came amid growing speculation after the Supreme Leader had not appeared in public since the conflict began and no recent images or video footage of him had been released.
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