Iran Threatens Regional Oil Exports
Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that no country in the region would be able to sell oil if Iran was prevented from exporting its own supplies.
Iran Threatens Regional Oil Exports
Ghalibaf said the conflict had reached an “all or none” stage, indicating that Tehran could target or disrupt regional energy infrastructure if its security and export capabilities were threatened.
He warned that no infrastructure would remain safe if Iran’s security was not guaranteed. The comments did not specify which facilities or countries could be affected, but they intensified concerns about oil production, shipping routes and export terminals across the Gulf.
The warning followed renewed threats from US President Donald Trump to strike Iranian infrastructure if Tehran continued attacks against vessels and American interests in the region.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate
Ghalibaf said security in the Strait of Hormuz would only be possible in the absence of US forces. He also maintained that conditions in the strategic waterway would not return to their pre-war status.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. Oil and liquefied natural gas exports from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates depend heavily on safe passage through the region.
Oil Markets Face Supply Risks
Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the strait could restrict global energy supplies, increase freight and insurance costs and place upward pressure on crude oil prices.
Iran has previously warned that attacks on its energy infrastructure would trigger retaliatory action against regional facilities supporting US operations. Washington, meanwhile, has said its military campaign is intended to protect commercial shipping and reduce Tehran’s ability to threaten vessels.
Neither side has indicated that an immediate de-escalation agreement has been reached.
