Tehran warns US bases will remain targets amid rising naval tensions
March 1, 2026: In a sharp escalation following reports of the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Iranian Navy has warned that attacks on US bases across Arab countries will continue. Iranian military officials also announced plans to shut down the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, cautioning that no vessels should pass through the corridor. The move signals a potential expansion of the conflict beyond airstrikes into maritime confrontation.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, with nearly 30% of global crude shipments passing through it. Any blockade could severely disrupt energy exports from Gulf nations such as the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, potentially triggering a global energy shock. Iran is believed to maintain significant naval assets, including warships and submarines, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps playing a central role in maritime operations.
US defence officials have previously warned that any attempt to block the strait would invite a decisive military response. Analysts now caution that the situation could spiral into a direct naval confrontation between Iranian and American forces in the Arabian Sea. With tensions mounting rapidly, fears of a broader regional war are intensifying.