Iran warned it would launch a full-scale offensive if U.S. airstrikes on its territory continue.

The threat follows a week of escalating military tension in the Middle East, raising the risk of a broader regional conflict that could disrupt global shipping and energy markets.

On Friday, July 13, the U.S. launched its seventh consecutive night of strikes against Iran [1]. U.S. officials said the operations targeted Iranian military and maritime sites to degrade the country's military capabilities [2]. However, officials in Tehran said the U.S. is instead targeting civilian infrastructure [3].

The conflict has extended to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transit. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said two oil tankers exploded after entering a mined area south of the strait [4]. The U.S. said it rejected the Iranian claim regarding the cause of the explosions [5].

Military activity has also been noted in Bahrain and Kuwait, both of which host U.S. forces [6]. Iranian military officials, including a top general, said the U.S. actions are aggression [7].

The U.S. has not announced a timeline for the cessation of the airstrikes. Tehran said any further attacks will be met with a comprehensive military response [8].

“Iran warned it would launch a full-scale offensive if U.S. airstrikes on its territory continue.”

The transition from targeted strikes to threats of a 'full-scale offensive' indicates a breakdown in deterrence. By targeting maritime sites and operating near the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict has moved beyond territorial disputes into a direct challenge to international shipping lanes, which typically triggers wider international diplomatic and economic intervention.