Tehran: Iran has warned that it may block oil exports from the Middle East if military attacks against the country continue, escalating tensions with the United States as the conflict in the region enters its second week.
The warning came shortly after US President Donald Trump suggested that Washington could take control of the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, a major maritime route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply is transported.
Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) responded by stating that the country’s armed forces would not allow “even one litre of oil” to be exported from the region if the United States and Israel continued their military operations against Iranian infrastructure.
Strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes. Nearly 20 per cent of global oil supply passes through the narrow waterway, making it a vital corridor for international energy markets.
Any disruption in shipping through the strait can have significant consequences for global oil prices and energy security.
Amid rising tensions in the region, commercial shipping activity through the strait has already slowed considerably. Reports indicate that several tankers have been delaying or rerouting their journeys due to security concerns.
The uncertainty has contributed to sharp increases in oil prices. On Monday, crude oil prices surged to nearly $120 per barrel, marking a four-year high as markets reacted to the possibility of prolonged supply disruptions.
Trump warns Iran over oil flow disruption
In an interview with CBS News, President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Tehran regarding the potential disruption of oil shipments through the strait.
Trump said that if Iran attempted to interfere with global oil flows, the consequences would be severe.
“They have shot everything they have to shoot, and they better not try anything cute, or it’s going to be the end of that country,” he said.
“If they do anything bad, that would be the end of Iran, and you’d never hear the name again,” Trump added.
The US president also said the Strait of Hormuz remained open but indicated that Washington was considering stronger measures to secure the waterway.
“The Strait of Hormuz is open now,” he said, adding that he was “thinking about taking it over.”
Previous warnings from Washington
This is not the first time the United States has warned Iran about interfering with shipping in the strait.
Earlier, Trump had stated that Iran would face a much stronger military response if it attempted to block oil exports.
Posting on the social media platform Truth Social, he said Iran would be struck “twenty times harder” if it disrupted tanker traffic.
“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the US twenty times harder than they have been hit thus far,” Trump wrote.
The remarks underline the growing tension between the two sides as the conflict escalates.
Iran’s response and escalation risk
Iran’s response came through a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, one of the most powerful military institutions in the country.
The IRGC warned that continued attacks by the United States and Israel could lead to a complete halt of oil exports from the region.
“If aggression by the US military and the Zionist regime against Iran and its infrastructure continues, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic will not allow the export of even one litre of oil from the region to the hostile side and its partners until further notice,” the statement said.
Analysts warn that such a move would significantly disrupt global energy supplies, as the strait is used by major oil producers in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq.
A prolonged closure could severely affect international trade and drive energy prices even higher.
Global markets react to uncertainty
Financial markets have already begun reacting to the rising tensions in the Gulf.
The spike in crude oil prices reflects growing fears that the conflict could lead to major disruptions in energy supplies.
Higher oil prices typically translate into increased fuel costs worldwide, which can also lead to inflationary pressures in several economies.
Energy analysts note that even the threat of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz can create significant volatility in global markets.
Shipping companies and insurers are also closely monitoring developments, as heightened risks in the region could increase the cost of transporting oil and other goods.
A critical flashpoint in the conflict
As the conflict continues, the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a key strategic flashpoint between Iran and the United States.
Control over the waterway is central to global energy security, and any escalation around it could have far-reaching consequences for the international economy.
Diplomatic observers warn that continued threats and counter-threats from both sides could further intensify tensions in the region.
For now, the situation remains highly volatile, with both Tehran and Washington signalling that they are prepared to escalate if their strategic interests are challenged.
Uncertain outlook for the region
With the war entering its second week, the confrontation between Iran and the United States shows little sign of easing.
The possibility of disruptions to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz has heightened concerns among governments and energy markets worldwide.
Whether the situation de-escalates through diplomatic channels or evolves into a deeper regional crisis will depend on the actions taken by both sides in the coming days.
For the global economy, however, the stakes remain extremely high, as the stability of one of the world’s most important energy routes hangs in the balance.