Key facts
- Iran announced an improved ballistic missile, the Qassem Basir, with enhanced range and accuracy.
- Iran's Supreme National Security Council head claimed the missile was tested against a U.S. warship.
- The U.S. responded to missile launches by striking three Iranian oil tankers.
- Transits through the Strait of Hormuz have significantly decreased.
- Regional countries voiced frustration over Iran's actions impacting vital shipping lanes.
Iran's state media reported on Monday that an improved ballistic missile, the Qassem Basir, signifies a new defense doctrine where Tehran "will take action against any threat, even before it is carried out." This announcement follows recent escalations in the region, including Iran's alleged testing of the missile against a U.S. warship and the U.S. response of striking three Iranian oil tankers. Experts have characterized the missile launch as a dangerous escalation, particularly as Iran's maritime attacks had previously focused on commercial shipping.
The Qassem Basir is described as having greater range and accuracy, with a half-ton warhead, and was unveiled last year with a stated range of at least 1,200 kilometers (745 miles). Concerns over Iran's ballistic missile program were cited as a reason for earlier attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel.
The White House dismissed claims by Iran's Supreme National Security Council head, Mohsen Rezaei, about creating an "exclusion zone" near the Strait of Hormuz, affirming the waterway's openness and U.S. control. The U.S. military stated that it had cleared the strait of mines and that tanker traffic to non-Iranian ports would increase, while a blockade on Iranian ports continues to limit oil exports. As of Monday, 94 commercial vessels had been redirected and three disabled.
Global commerce information firm Kpler noted a sharp drop in transits through the Strait of Hormuz last week. This follows an attack on a Saudi-owned tanker that killed two crew members and left seven unaccounted for, potentially marking the deadliest attack on a commercial vessel since the conflict began.
Regional countries have expressed significant frustration. Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, stated that "no single state" should control the strait and that energy exports and trade should not be held hostage. The UAE, a U.S. ally, has experienced Iranian missile and drone fire and recently suspended trade with Iran. Nabil Fahmy, secretary-general of the Arab League, condemned Iran's attacks and stated that maritime corridors would not be accepted as a bargaining chip.