TEHRAN – Iran has vowed to continue fighting until the United States accepts its demands, as two vessels sank near the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid escalating attacks and disruptions to maritime traffic.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran was not seeking an endless war or prolonged negotiations with Washington but would continue fighting until its demands were met.
The statement signals continued tensions between the two countries as the conflict threatens shipping through one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
Two vessels sank near the Strait of Hormuz, with one reportedly struck by a projectile and the other hitting a sea mine, according to the report.
The incidents have further disrupted maritime traffic through the waterway, raising concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and the wider economic impact of the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global energy supplies, making prolonged disruption a major concern for oil markets and the international economy.
The International Monetary Fund has sharply downgraded its 2026 economic growth forecasts for the Middle East and Central Asia, citing the possibility of a longer-than-expected closure of the strait. The institution anticipates a recovery in 2027 based on the expected reopening of the waterway.
Meanwhile, heavy fighting has continued on several fronts in Yemen. The Yemeni army claims that more than 200 Houthi fighters have been killed or wounded in clashes across Taiz.
The developments highlight the widening regional consequences of the conflict, with military operations, shipping disruptions and economic uncertainty continuing to affect the Middle East.
Source: Al Jazeera, 15 October 2026.
