Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned that the conflict with the United States could spread to new locations and targets if Washington launches further attacks. The warning came on September 21 as tensions continued across the Middle East and a tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while entering the Strait of Hormuz. Two crew members suffered minor injuries, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre.
The IRGC said Iran was prepared to introduce new weapons and military tactics if the fighting escalates. The warning follows months of conflict that have severely disrupted shipping through Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Reuters reported that only 17 commodity vessels crossed the strait over the weekend, compared with 37 the previous week and a pre-war average of around 125 vessels per day.
The regional fallout has also intensified in Yemen, where Iran-aligned Houthi forces have expanded their campaign against Saudi targets and threatened important shipping routes. Reuters reported that nearly 700 people have been killed and more than 130,000 displaced during the latest escalation.
The continuing conflict is also affecting energy markets and infrastructure. QatarEnergy has warned that disruptions around Hormuz could delay parts of its LNG expansion, while global fuel markets remain under pressure.
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