An Iranian lawmaker has warned that escalating tensions involving Iran, the USA, Russia, Ukraine, NATO and China risk drawing the world towards a much wider conflict. Kamran Ghazanfari said that existing wars and disputes between major powers meant the international community was 'practically on the brink of World War III'. His comments came as the USA launched further strikes against Iranian targets near Kharg Island and Jask, reportedly including oil tankers, as Washington sought to increase economic pressure on Tehran. US central command said five Iranian crude carriers were destroyed following attempted Iranian missile attacks against an American warship. Iranian media claimed retaliatory strikes had hit oil tankers and US vessels, but Washington denied that any American warship had been struck. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the latest US operations as illegal and aggressive, warning Washington of consequences if military action continues. The renewed escalation comes amid continuing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, with Ghazanfari also suggesting Tehran could consider withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. See