Iranian state media reported that the country had used the Qassem Basir missile against US warships near the Strait of Hormuz. The US military, however, said its vessels had evaded the reported missile attacks.
The latest threats came after another round of US-Iranian hostilities. Washington last reported strikes on Iranian targets on Saturday, when US forces attacked three Iranian oil tankers. Iranian state media subsequently reported the firing of the Qassem Basir missile.
Iran has continued disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz despite US efforts to reopen the strategically vital waterway. The strait is a major route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, with around one-fifth of global oil and LNG trade passing through it before the war.
Iran has also said it plans to announce a new restricted maritime zone in the Gulf and publish maps for a new shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz.
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the proposed restricted zone would begin from the area where the US blockade of Iran starts and extend into parts of the Gulf. He said vessels entering the zone could be placed on an Iranian sanctions list.
On Tuesday, Rezaei renewed Iran’s military and economic warnings on social media, saying Washington had received a clear message from Iran’s new missiles. He warned that US economic pressure could be met with a maritime exclusion zone extending across the Persian Gulf to the blockade perimeter.
Iran has promoted the Qassem Basir as an upgraded ballistic missile with greater manoeuvrability and improved resistance to missile defence and electronic warfare. Iranian media have previously claimed the missile was first used in combat against Israel in June 2025.
Despite US strikes that have weakened Iran’s conventional military capabilities and imposed further pressure on its economy, Tehran retains missile and drone capabilities that can threaten commercial shipping and US military facilities in the Gulf.
Shipping data showed that an average of only about 10 commodity vessels a day passed through the Strait of Hormuz during the previous 10 days, the lowest level recorded since May.
Analysts have questioned whether Iran’s ability to use the strait as leverage is weakening as tougher US sanctions place additional pressure on its economy. Tehran, however, continues to demand sanctions relief and has indicated that it hopes to collect fees from ships using the waterway.
US President Donald Trump has said the war will ultimately drive oil prices sharply lower and has vowed that Iran will not obtain a nuclear weapon. He has also said his military campaign is aimed at ending Iran’s nuclear programme and reducing its ability to attack neighbouring countries.
Iran’s clerical leadership remains in power and has sought to emerge from the conflict in a stronger position. Tehran has continued to press for sanctions relief as part of any potential settlement with Washington.
The wider conflict has also been complicated by renewed Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. At least 12 people were killed in Israeli bombardments on Monday, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, in one of the deadliest days of attacks in recent weeks.
The strikes have raised concerns about a renewed Israeli campaign despite a June ceasefire with Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. Tehran has insisted that any lasting agreement with Washington must also include an end to Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
