Iran Threatens Stronger Response to US Attacks Amid Ongoing Conflict

US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers. Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated on Sunday that any further US attacks would provoke a more forceful response from Tehran. The recent exchanges of fire began with US raids last week and occur during a deadlock in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. Iran has maintained control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz while the US continues a counter-blockade of Iranian ports. The US has also imposed sanctions on entities with financial ties to Iran in an effort to weaken its economy. Ghalibaf declared, "the era of proportionate responses has come to an end," adding that any aggression against Iran would receive a faster and more intense response. Mohsen Rezaei, Iran's top security official, announced plans to establish a "prohibited zone" near the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any ship entering this area would face sanctions. On Saturday, CENTCOM reported that Iran had attempted to fire upon two American warships, prompting US strikes on three oil tankers linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). CENTCOM described the vessels as part of a network funding the IRGC and its proxies. Iran retaliated by claiming to have targeted three oil tankers and warned ships against unauthorized routes in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins dismissed Iran's claims about attacking a US naval drone as false. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that if US ships were attacked, the US would impose a higher economic cost on Iran. The Iranian foreign ministry condemned the US attacks as illegal. US officials, including President Donald Trump, have attempted to downplay the conflict, with Trump referring to it as "small potatoes" for the US. Meanwhile, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright suggested that Iran is struggling to maintain power amid the conflict. A ceasefire between the two sides collapsed in July after attacks on commercial ships in the strait, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supplies previously flowed. Trump has threatened to claim sovereignty over the strait, while US Vice President JD Vance stated that the US would not engage in talks with Iran until it ceases attacks on commercial shipping.