Iran Warns of Prolonged War Following Tanker Attacks in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has cautioned that a renewed conflict with the United States could outlast previous fighting as two oil tankers reportedly hit mines and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that two tankers caught fire after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Al Jazeera. This development follows a Sunday warning from Iranian army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia, who said on state television that a potential future war could last longer than previous rounds. Akraminia asserted that the American president would be unable to dictate the timing or the conditions of the conflict's conclusion.

President Donald Trump suggested on Sunday that the U.S. could quickly strike remaining Iranian targets, including a suspected underground nuclear complex at Pickaxe Mountain. During a campaign rally in Iowa, Trump stated he might have to give Tehran "the hammer" at an unspecified time. France 24 reported that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the state of combat operations in a call described by sources as "tough" and "direct."

While Netanyahu reportedly pressed for immediate strikes after the U.S. midterm elections, Trump has expressed a desire for negotiations to proceed. Amidst these tensions, Reuters reported that oil prices fell by more than 1% as diplomatic talks to end the war continue. Tehran has meanwhile threatened retaliation without geographical limits if new strikes occur.

Background

The current phase of the war began on February 28 with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Since then, Tehran has retaliated with regional missile and drone attacks involving aligned groups in Lebanon and Yemen.