Iran issued a direct warning on September 7 that US energy assets in the Persian Gulf are vulnerable following recent naval exchanges near the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran threatened to establish a new 'exclusion zone' in the region, which handles approximately 20% of the world's oil supply, citing US provocations.
The escalation follows US military strikes on three Iranian oil tankers, with Iran vowing a 'painful' response if further attacks occur on its maritime interests.