Iran has threatened to halt all oil exports from the Gulf region as its conflict with the United States and Israel intensifies, raising fears of a major disruption to global energy supplies.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned on Tuesday that Tehran would not allow “a single litre of oil” to leave the Gulf while the war continues, signalling a dramatic escalation in the conflict and its potential impact on international oil markets.
The warning came amid ongoing military clashes following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran across the region.
According to Iranian officials, the country’s armed forces are prepared to block energy exports from the region until the attacks against Iran stop.
“The Iranian armed forces will not allow the export of a single litre of oil from the region to the hostile side and its partners until further notice,” an IRGC spokesperson said in remarks carried by Iranian state media.
Strait of Hormuz at Risk
The threat is particularly alarming for global energy markets because much of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets.
Nearly 20 percent of global crude oil shipments normally transit through the waterway each day, meaning any prolonged disruption could trigger a global energy crisis.
Shipping through the strait has already been severely disrupted since the conflict escalated, with Iranian forces targeting vessels and oil tankers passing through the strategic corridor.
Oil Markets React
The escalating tensions have sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with crude oil prices briefly surging above $100 per barrel, the highest level in years, amid fears that Gulf exports could be cut off.
Energy analysts warn that a full shutdown of Gulf exports could have devastating consequences for the global economy, potentially pushing oil prices sharply higher and triggering inflation across multiple industries.
The Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Aramco, Amin H. Nasser, warned that prolonged disruptions could have “catastrophic consequences” for world oil markets and the global economy.
Trump Downplays War
Despite the rising tensions, Donald Trump, President of the United States, said the conflict could end soon, suggesting that military operations had already achieved significant objectives.
However, Tehran rejected the claim and insisted it would determine when the war ends.
Iranian officials have also indicated that diplomatic talks with Washington are unlikely to resume while military operations against the country continue.
Global Security Concerns
The conflict has sparked wider international concern, with several countries increasing military deployments in the region to protect shipping routes and energy infrastructure.
Experts warn that if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked or heavily disrupted, the consequences could ripple through global trade, energy markets and economic stability worldwide.
CHANNELS