Iran could escalate to military attacks as early as this fall in response to intensifying U.S. sanctions, national security analysts warned, with shipping, U.S. bases and Gulf infrastructure seen as potential targets. The caution followed reports that two vessels were struck while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint, though ADNOC said there were no injuries and the situation was under control. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington was preparing economic measures against Iran unlike any previously used, while Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said Tehran may answer renewed economic pressure with "kinetic" action, echoing patterns seen in 2019. The warning comes as U.S.-Iran diplomacy remains stalled, a June memorandum of understanding has unraveled, and both sides are still at odds over the Strait of Hormuz and broader security issues including Iran's nuclear program.