Iran's Options for Escalation Against US Economic Threats

The United States has threatened Iran with its toughest sanctions in history, raising the prospect of further escalation in the Gulf after nearly six months of conflict. Iran is considering various responses to the economic pressure. Iran's former Revolutionary Guards chief has threatened to shut down oil exports entirely, and attacks have already halted most traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carried about a fifth of global energy before the war. Iran has blacklisted 45 tankers and its Houthi allies have restricted Red Sea shipping. Iran has also threatened Gulf states with "earthquake" force if they participate in U.S. efforts, potentially targeting energy infrastructure or water desalination plants. Western countries face cyber attacks and alleged assassination plots, though Iran denies these accusations.