WASHINGTON (AP) — Iran state media on Monday reported that a ballistic missile with improved capabilities demonstrates a new doctrine, stating that Tehran "will take action against any threat, even before it is carried out." The report by Iran’s state news agency cited comments from the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, who discussed new missile capabilities and claimed it had been "tested" against a U.S. warship. However, it was unclear whether the missile tested was the solid-fueled Qassem Basir mentioned in the report.
The U.S. stated on Saturday that ballistic missiles were launched at U.S. warships and that it struck three Iranian oil tankers in response. Experts characterized the missile launch as a dangerous escalation, noting that prior Iranian attacks at sea had primarily targeted commercial shipping during the ongoing conflict. The U.S. reported that its warships evaded the missile attacks.
Iran’s messaging has become more assertive, with the report claiming that the Qassem Basir represents "a turning point in Iran’s defense strategy." The missile is described as having greater range and accuracy, with a half-ton warhead. It was unveiled last year and is said to have a range of at least 1,200 kilometers (745 miles).
Concerns regarding Iran’s ballistic missile program were cited as one of the reasons behind U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran earlier this year, which contributed to the ongoing conflict.
The White House responded to Rezaei's announcement of plans to create an "exclusion zone" near the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the waterway remains open and controlled by the U.S. The U.S. Navy has reportedly cleared the strait of mines, and tanker traffic to non-Iranian ports is expected to increase. A U.S. blockade on Iranian ports continues to limit Tehran’s oil exports, with the military stating that as of Monday, 94 commercial vessels had been redirected and three had been disabled.
Tehran seeks to control the shipping routes through the strait, which is considered an international waterway. Rezaei acknowledged U.S. assistance to a limited number of ships transiting a route off Oman, stating that Iran is not targeting them due to environmental concerns.
As both nations assert claims over the strait, global commerce information firm Kpler reported a significant drop in transits through the waterway last week. A recent attack on a Saudi-owned tanker resulted in the deaths of two crew members, marking one of the deadliest incidents on a commercial vessel since the conflict began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes.
Frustration has surfaced among Gulf countries regarding the uncertainty surrounding the strait, which is vital for shipping oil, natural gas, and related products. Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, stated at a forum in Abu Dhabi that "no single state" should control the strait, emphasizing that energy exports and trade should not be held hostage. The UAE, a close U.S. ally, has faced Iranian missile and drone attacks during the war and suspended all trade with Iran last month due to renewed hostilities.
Gargash warned that rebuilding trust between Iran and Gulf countries could take decades. Nabil Fahmy, secretary-general of the Arab League, condemned Iran’s attacks on Gulf nations, stating that maritime corridors should not be used as bargaining chips in geopolitical calculations.