Iran warns of regional oil disruption

US President Donald Trump is considering launching a new large-scale military operation against Iran, raising fears of a further escalation in tensions across the Middle East. According to reports, the proposed operation could be larger than previous US military strikes carried out against Iranian targets earlier this year. Trump said he was close to making a decision but stressed that no final order had been issued. He said the United States was fully prepared to act if necessary and claimed military plans were already in place. US officials, however, said no formal authorization for a new attack has yet been given. The US president also said Israel could join any future military operation if requested, although he maintained that American forces were capable of carrying out such an operation on their own. Trump accused Iran of refusing to accept the latest diplomatic proposal presented through mediation efforts. He claimed Tehran was delaying negotiations despite increasing military and economic pressure. The remarks came amid continued efforts by international mediators to prevent the conflict from expanding. The US president also warned that Washington would hold Iran directly responsible if Yemen’s Houthi movement launched further attacks on commercial shipping. His warning followed Houthi claims that they had targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea using missiles and drones. Trump said any future attacks on commercial vessels would trigger a strong military response against both the Houthis and Iran. He accused Tehran of supporting the armed group and said the United States would not tolerate threats to international shipping routes. Iran responded sharply to the US statements. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei warned American military personnel against targeting civilian infrastructure, saying attacks on facilities such as bridges and power stations would violate international law. He stressed that military personnel remain legally responsible for carrying out unlawful orders. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington’s main objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He accused Tehran of repeatedly violating previous agreements and said the Iranian leadership continued to support armed groups across the Middle East instead of addressing domestic economic challenges. Rubio also urged Yemen’s Houthis to avoid becoming more deeply involved in the regional conflict. He said further attacks on Saudi Arabia or international shipping would only increase instability and could trigger broader military action. Meanwhile, Oman said it is working with Saudi Arabia, regional partners and the United Nations to revive Yemen’s political peace process. Omani officials called for restraint from all sides and emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Regional tensions continued to grow as Bahrain activated emergency warning sirens following reports of a possible Iranian attack. Authorities advised residents to remain calm and move to safe locations, although no casualties or damage were immediately reported. Jordan’s armed forces also announced that their air defence systems had intercepted several missiles and drones over the past 24 hours. Military officials said three missiles and six drones were destroyed before reaching populated areas, while another missile landed in an uninhabited location without causing damage. The Houthis said they carried out missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers as part of what they described as a maritime blockade. Shipping companies have already begun changing routes to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, increasing concerns over global oil supplies and international trade. Iranian military officials warned that if US attacks continue, Tehran will introduce new military strategies designed to make future operations more difficult for its opponents.