Iran has warned the United States of a stronger and more painful response to any further attacks, as tensions between the two countries escalate following a fresh exchange of fire in the Gulf.

Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator in talks aimed at ending the conflict, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, issued the warning on Sunday after Iranian forces targeted American military assets.

“The Americans must have understood that the era of proportionate responses has come to an end,” Ghalibaf said in a speech carried by Iranian state media.

He warned that any further aggression against Iran’s interests and security would trigger a response that would be “faster, more intense and more painful.”

The latest confrontation comes amid a six-month conflict between Tehran and Washington, with diplomatic efforts to end the hostilities currently stalled.

Iran, US Exchange Fire

The latest escalation began after the United States carried out fresh military strikes in the region.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iran had attempted to attack two American warships — an aircraft carrier and a destroyer.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), however, claimed that the American vessels had been forced to retreat after sustaining damage.

CENTCOM rejected the claim, saying the US warships successfully evaded the Iranian attacks.

The United States subsequently struck three oil tankers linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

According to CENTCOM, the vessels were part of a multibillion-dollar network allegedly used to finance the IRGC and its regional proxies.

The US military said it disabled two of the tankers near Kharg Island and Jask, while a third vessel was destroyed in the Gulf of Oman after its crew was ordered to abandon ship.

Tehran Retaliates

Iran quickly responded, with the Revolutionary Guards claiming responsibility for attacks on three oil tankers using what it described as unauthorised routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Guards also said three other vessels affiliated with the United States were targeted.

Iranian state television later reported that the Guards had attacked a US naval drone attempting to enter the strategic waterway, although the United States disputed the claim.

Tehran subsequently warned ships against attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz through routes it considers unauthorised.

The confrontation has further intensified uncertainty around the strategic waterway, a major global shipping route and a key artery for international energy supplies.

US Promises Greater Economic Cost

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the US response was intended to impose a greater economic cost on Iran.

“If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost — taking out three of yours,” Cooper said.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the American attacks on its oil tankers, describing them as illegal and aggressive.

Iranian state media reported that crews from the affected tankers were taken ashore in lifeboats, while one of the vessels was reportedly empty at the time of the attack.

No casualties were immediately reported from the strike on Kharg Island.

Strait of Hormuz at the Centre of Conflict

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as one of the biggest flashpoints in the conflict.

Iran has sought to maintain control over access to the waterway, while Washington has stepped up efforts to restrict Iranian oil exports and challenge Tehran's control over shipping routes.

The strait is particularly important to global energy markets because a significant portion of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through it.

The United States has also imposed sanctions on Iranian-linked entities as part of efforts to weaken Tehran’s economy and pressure its leadership.

Iran, meanwhile, has threatened to tighten restrictions on shipping through the waterway and is reportedly preparing to establish an exclusion zone near the strait.

Conflict Enters Another Dangerous Phase

The latest exchange marks another dangerous escalation in a conflict that has already lasted several months.

US President Donald Trump has sought to play down the scale of the confrontation, while members of his administration have maintained pressure on Tehran.

Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei also warned earlier that Iran had adopted a “new strategy” against Washington, promising consequences for continued American pressure.

The two sides remain far apart on negotiations, with Washington demanding an end to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping and Tehran resisting US efforts to impose further restrictions on its military and economic activities.

With both countries now exchanging direct attacks around the Strait of Hormuz, concerns are growing that further escalation could disrupt international shipping and place additional pressure on global energy markets.