From missiles to oil choke points: How Iran could respond to US action | Explained

Key Highlights

• While diplomatic engagement continues intermittently, the United States has reinforced its air and naval presence in the region.
• President Donald Trump has hinted at regime change and signalled that military action remains an option, fuelling concerns of escalation.
• Although Iran was weakened by Israeli and American strikes last summer and faces internal discontent, analysts argue that the leadership still commands several retaliatory tools.
• These range from direct missile and drone attacks on US and Israeli targets to activating allied armed groups and disrupting critical economic corridors.
• The scale of any response would likely hinge on how severe a threat Tehran believes it faces.