Iran Accuses United States of Escalating Tensions and Threatens Retaliatory Strikes

Iran’s leadership said the United States is rapidly moving toward an escalation of tension in the region, after U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, warned of "strong" strikes on Iran. Tehran’s Central Operations commander Ali Abdullahi warned that the U.S. is "stoking the flames of war" and that Iran will respond to any "reckless American move" with a comprehensive retaliation plan.

Iran has repeatedly closed the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S.-Israel conflict began on 28 February, briefly reopening it after a memorandum of understanding with the United States, then re‑closing it on 7 July as hostilities resumed. Iranian officials threatened retaliatory attacks on energy infrastructure in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, saying such U.S. actions would tighten the Hormuz closure and impact the global economy and energy markets.