Iran warns of ‘faster, heavier’ retaliation if US attacks continue

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 07, 2026

Photo courtesy: U.S. Central Command

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated again around the Strait of Hormuz after both sides launched attacks against vessels in the region.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired ballistic missiles toward a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer on September 5.

Both American warships avoided the attacks and no US personnel were injured, according to CENTCOM.

In response, US forces struck three crude oil tankers that CENTCOM said were linked to a network financing the IRGC.

The M/T Downy near Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask were permanently disabled, while the unladen M/T Kylo, also known as Noxen, was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was told to abandon the vessel.

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper warned that attacks on American forces would bring greater economic consequences for Iran.

Iran later announced retaliatory attacks against three oil tankers it accused of using an unauthorized route through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as three vessels it described as linked to the United States. There was no immediate independent confirmation of damage from those attacks.

Iran also warned vessels against using routes through the strategic waterway that have not been approved by Tehran.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that further attacks against Iranian interests would receive a “faster, heavier and more painful” response.

Despite the continued exchange of attacks, US President Donald Trump has downplayed the scale of the confrontation, describing it as a “military conflict” rather than a war and calling it “small potatoes” for the United States.

Tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments, as Iran maintains restrictions over some shipping routes while the United States continues pressure on Iranian ports and oil exports.

Shipping through the strait remains well below pre-conflict levels amid the threat of further attacks.

Iran threatens harsher retaliation over continued US attacks

Iran threatens harsher retaliation over continued US attacks

Iran threatens harsher retaliation over continued US attacks