# Iran Threatens Escalation Amid US Economic Pressure Tehran warns of asymmetric warfare as US moves to stifle its economy. - **Source:** [Asharq Al-Awsat](https://aawsat.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5bd65048-bdf7-45cf-a352-23dce804cd57 ## Threats of Asymmetric Warfare Iran has threatened to expand the ongoing conflict by launching asymmetric operations. This follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement that President Trump intends to economically strangle Iran rather than pursue war or new agreements. Iranian military officials warned that any further miscalculations would result in significantly more lethal strikes. ## Maritime Security Crisis The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported the destruction of two tankers using naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Simultaneously, the army navy reported a third tanker caught fire, following a series of 37 vessel attacks recorded in October. These incidents continue to disrupt global shipping routes and regional maritime stability. ## G7 Diplomatic Pressure The G7 nations issued a final statement in Paris demanding that Iran resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. They pledged to restrict Tehran's economic and political capabilities while condemning Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The group explicitly called on all parties, especially Iran, to stop arming these regional proxies. ## Attacks on Navigation Systems Iran reportedly attacked navigation systems on the Omani island of Didamar within the Strait of Hormuz. While the specific damage remains unverified, satellite imagery confirmed thermal activity and smoke rising from the site. These strikes demonstrate Tehran's capability to target critical infrastructure used to maintain oil flows from the Persian Gulf. ## Shifting Oil Export Strategies Oil exporters are increasingly utilizing alternative methods to bypass regional bottlenecks, including ship-to-ship transfers off the coasts of Oman and the UAE. Saudi Arabia has successfully restored oil production and export levels to near pre-war figures. These logistical adjustments are supported by the US military, which escorts commercial vessels through the strait. ## US Military Aid Withdrawal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will gradually phase out American military aid. This decision follows President Trump's surprise declaration to terminate the multi-billion dollar annual support by year-end. Israel currently receives approximately 3.8 billion dollars annually under a ten-year agreement that was originally scheduled to last until September 2028. ## Regional Defense Alignments Pakistan has confirmed its readiness to take all necessary measures to defend Saudi Arabia, citing their existing strategic defense agreement. Meanwhile, Saudi air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed three cruise missiles launched by Houthi militias toward Riyadh. Two additional drones were also neutralized in the Makkah region during the recent escalation. ## Geopolitical Stability Outlook The intersection of economic strangulation, maritime sabotage, and shifting military alliances signals a volatile period for the Middle East. As Iran refuses to surrender enriched nuclear materials and threatens distant US bases, the region faces heightened risks of wider conflict. Observers are monitoring the impact of these tensions on global energy security. ## Sources covering this story - https://aawsat.com/node/5340311 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._