Iranian
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the era of
proportionate responses is over, vowing faster, heavier, and more painful
replies to any aggression against Iran's interests.
The warnings followed IRGC attacks on a U.S. drone boat and missile fire at U.S. warships, which America evaded before striking three Iranian oil tankers near Kharg Island and in the Gulf of Oman.
U.S. Central Command described the tanker strikes as deterrence to impose economic costs, amid efforts by both sides to control the vital shipping lane carrying much of the world's oil. The exchanges have heightened fears of energy market disruptions and broader regional conflict.