Iran warns of 'faster, heavier, more painful response' to US attacks

Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has warned of a "faster, heavier, and more painful response" to US military actions, indicating a shift in the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. His comments were made on Sunday, following a series of US strikes on Iranian oil tankers, which were described as retaliation for attacks on US warships in the region.

The US Central Command (Centcom) has been contacted for comments regarding these developments. Iranian state media reported that the Iranian Navy had attacked an American remote-controlled vessel attempting to enter the Strait of Hormuz, a claim that Centcom has denied, labeling it as false.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also issued threats towards Iran, stating that any attacks on US ships would result in the destruction of Iranian oil tankers. The recent escalation follows the expiration of a 60-day ceasefire, which had provided a brief period of relative calm before hostilities resumed last week.

The conflict has seen multiple strikes from both sides, with the US targeting Iranian positions and Iran retaliating against US interests in the region, including locations in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. President Donald Trump has commented that the renewed fighting would not last long, reflecting a consistent narrative from his administration since the conflict began.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil and gas shipments, has been significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict, with Iran asserting its control over the waterway. The situation has contributed to rising gas prices globally, with the average price for diesel in the US reaching $5.85 per gallon, compared to $3.71 a year ago. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright noted that approximately 9 million barrels of oil per day are currently passing through the strait, which may help alleviate some pressure on energy prices as summer demand decreases.