Tehran [Iran], July 21 – Iran has warned of more “decisive and powerful” military strikes against US facilities in the Gulf as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate, while Yemen’s Houthi rebels threatened to expand the conflict by targeting Saudi Arabia’s ports.
According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it intercepted two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz after carrying out attacks that triggered explosions and large fires aboard the vessels. The claims could not be independently verified.
The latest warning came after the United States launched a new phase of military operations against Iran following the reported deaths of at least three American soldiers in recent fighting. Washington has said the campaign is intended to weaken Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran previously claimed responsibility for missile strikes targeting US military facilities including radar installations, air defence systems and administrative buildings in Kuwait and Bahrain. In a statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, Tehran said preparations were underway for more forceful attacks.
US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would pay a heavy price for every American soldier killed, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the conflict had entered a full-scale phase.
Meanwhile, the Houthis announced plans to blockade Saudi ports, a move that could threaten regional oil exports and heighten risks to global energy markets. Saudi Arabia condemned the threat, saying it continued to support Yemen’s people and internationally recognised government.
The renewed hostilities follow the collapse of an April ceasefire and a June agreement, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
