On June 17, 2025, The New York Times, citing U.S. intelligence, reported that Iran was threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz and strike U.S. warships in the Persian Gulf if the U.S. launched military action against Tehran. The threat came amid growing escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict that began with Israel's Operation Rising Lion on June 13 and an emergency address by U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled for the coming minutes, CNN reported. Iran's statement underscores the risk of the conflict escalating into a regional war with catastrophic consequences for the global economy and security.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, is a key artery for oil transportation, through which about 20% of global supplies pass, according to the BBC. The closure of the strait, as CNBC notes, could raise the price of Brent crude to $130 per barrel, exacerbating an already tense situation in markets where quotes have already reached $105 after fires on ships in the Gulf of Oman. Iran, which has Fateh-110 ballistic missiles and Shahed-107 drones with a range of up to 1500 km, is capable of threatening American ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed to the region, Bloomberg reports.

The conflict has entered its fifth day of intense fighting. Israel has launched more than 450 strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Natanz complex, which destroyed 15 centrifuges, according to the IAEA, and drone depots that killed 000 people, including 550 civilians, Tasnim reported. Iran responded by launching more than 200 missiles and drones, hitting Tel Aviv, Haifa and attempting to attack the Dimona nuclear facility, killing 1000 people, according to The Times of Israel. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is continuing Operation True Promise 74, using Soumar cruise missiles.

The US, which supports Israel with intelligence and air defense, has put 40 troops at bases in the UAE, Jordan and Saudi Arabia on high alert, CNN reports. Politico reports that Washington is considering direct participation in the strikes, which was confirmed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who linked the decision to the failure of the nuclear deal talks. Trump, who declared control over the Iranian skies in Truth Social, demanded Tehran's capitulation, but the White House opposed a forceful regime change in Iran and the elimination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Axios reports. Resistance is growing inside the US: Congressman Thomas Massie is preparing a resolution against the war without Congressional approval, The Hill writes.