Iran Threatens “Long and Painful Strikes” on US Positions Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Iran’s foreign ministry has issued a stark warning, stating that it will respond with “long and painful strikes” against US positions if Washington resumes military actions. This declaration complicates US efforts to form a coalition aimed at reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas supplies.
Ongoing Conflict and Economic Implications
The situation has escalated two months into the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, during which the Strait of Hormuz has remained closed. This closure is impacting approximately 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies, leading to a surge in global energy prices and raising concerns about a potential economic downturn.
Efforts to mediate the conflict have reached a standstill. A ceasefire has been in effect since April 8, yet Iran continues to block the strait in retaliation for a US naval blockade that restricts Iran’s oil exports, which are crucial for its economy.
US Military Options Under Review
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to receive a briefing on military options aimed at compelling Iran to negotiate an end to the conflict. Reports indicate that these options have been part of US strategic planning for some time. Following the announcement of the briefing, oil prices initially spiked, with Brent crude reaching over $126 per barrel before settling around $114.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei commented that expecting quick results from US negotiations is unrealistic, emphasizing the complexities involved in reaching an agreement.
Air Defense Activity in Tehran
Reports from Iran’s capital, Tehran, indicate increased air defense activity, with local media noting that air defenses were engaged against small drones and surveillance vehicles. This heightened military readiness reflects the ongoing tensions in the region.
Trump reiterated his administration’s stance that Iran will not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. He also stated that gasoline prices would “drop like a rock” once the conflict concludes, a significant concern for his party ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Iranian Military Response
A senior official from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that any new US military action, even if limited, would trigger “long and painful strikes” on US positions in the region. Aerospace Force Commander Majid Mousavi stated that the US should expect similar consequences for its warships as it has seen with its regional bases.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei conveyed a message to the Iranian public, asserting that Tehran would eliminate any foreign interference in the waterway, indicating Iran’s determination to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Global Economic Concerns
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has cautioned that prolonged disruption of the Strait could lead to a decline in global economic growth, rising inflation, and increased poverty levels worldwide. He emphasized that the longer the strait remains blocked, the more challenging it will be to reverse the resulting damage.
Trump faces a deadline to either conclude military operations or justify their extension under the War Powers Resolution. A senior administration official indicated that, for the purposes of this resolution, hostilities had effectively ceased due to the April ceasefire.
Iran’s Economic Resilience
Despite the ongoing conflict exacerbating Iran’s economic challenges, analysts suggest that the country may be able to endure the current standoff in the Gulf. The US blockade has severely limited Iran’s energy exports, yet the nation continues to navigate its economic difficulties.
Strategic Military Options
Iran has not only blocked shipping through the Strait but has also launched drones and missiles targeting Israel and US military installations in the region. Reports suggest that one of the military options under consideration by the Trump administration involves deploying ground forces to secure part of the strait for commercial shipping.
In a potential shift towards de-escalation, the US State Department has proposed a new coalition, termed the Maritime Freedom Construct, aimed at facilitating navigation through the strait. Countries including France and Britain have discussed contributing to this coalition but have indicated their willingness to assist only after the conflict has concluded.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi highlighted that halting Israeli attacks on Lebanon is a critical component of the Iran-US ceasefire understanding, which will be a key issue in any future negotiations.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Pakistan has been mediating to prevent further escalation while the US and Iran exchange messages regarding a potential agreement.
As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-05-01 05:43:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk