Iran Touts Missile Upgrade, Vows Preemptive Strikes Amid Hormuz Standoff

Iranian state media announced an upgraded solid-fueled ballistic missile, the Qassem Basir, which officials say demonstrates a new doctrine of preemptive strikes against perceived threats, following weekend missile attacks on US warships and US strikes on three Iranian oil tankers. Iran has also declared plans for an "exclusion zone" near the Strait of Hormuz, rejected by the US and Gulf states including the UAE and Arab League as unacceptable control over vital shipping lanes. This continuing war between Israel, the US and Iran marks a documented escalation with potential to widen further across the region.