Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a strong warning, claiming Tehran possesses advanced weapons capable of sinking US warships if provoked.
The remarks come amid heightened rhetoric and the reported deployment of two major US Navy vessels to the region, signalling increased military pressure.
Strategic Flashpoint: Strait of Hormuz
Khamenei underscored Iran’s preparedness to respond in the Persian Gulf, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
“If pressure is put on Iran, it can target US warships,” he warned, asserting that Iran has developed weapons designed specifically to counter large naval assets.
Defence analysts note that Iran has spent more than a decade refining asymmetric warfare tactics suited for confined maritime environments, where smaller, agile platforms can challenge larger fleets.
‘Carrier Killer’ Missiles and Advanced Torpedoes
At the centre of Iran’s naval deterrence strategy is the Khalij Fars missile, often described as a “carrier killer.” The missile reportedly travels at speeds exceeding Mach 3 and is engineered to strike large vessels such as aircraft carriers with high precision. Its velocity makes interception difficult for conventional air defence systems.
Iran also fields the Hoot torpedo, capable of reaching speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour underwater — significantly faster than standard torpedoes — potentially overwhelming naval defences.
Drone Swarms and Hypersonic Edge
Tehran’s arsenal includes suicide drones such as the Shahed drone and the Ababil drone, designed to attack in coordinated swarms. Military experts say such tactics can saturate and confuse advanced defence systems.
Iran has also unveiled the Fattah missile, described by officials as a hypersonic weapon capable of evading modern air defence networks. If operational as claimed, it would represent a significant technological advancement in the region’s missile landscape.
Calls for Diplomatic Restraint
Security analysts warn that escalating rhetoric and military deployments in the Gulf could increase the risk of miscalculation. Given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global energy markets, any confrontation could have far-reaching economic and geopolitical consequences.
Experts are urging both Washington and Tehran to pursue diplomatic channels to prevent the situation from spiralling into a broader regional crisis.