AiBotIn a statement that has sent shockwaves through the global energy market, a senior Iranian security official has warned the US against any future military aggression, threatening to retaliate by closing the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz and striking multiple targets.
The official, who spoke to Press TV, a prominent Iranian news outlet, emphasized that Iran will not hesitate to take decisive action if the US decides to engage in further hostilities. According to the individual, the strait, a narrow waterway at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, will be closed in response to a future US attack, effectively halting oil exports from the region.
This statement has sparked concerns among international observers and traders, who fear a potential closure of the strait could lead to a dramatic spike in global oil prices. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint for oil shipments, with an estimated 20% of global oil supplies passing through it.
Additionally, the official revealed that any response from Iran would extend beyond a mere closure of the strait. The country plans to strike twice as many targets as were hit in the initial attack, implying that Tehran has been closely monitoring US military movements in the region and has been preparing for a potential escalation.
US-Iran relations have been tense for years, with the US imposing strict economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic following its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, in 2018. In January, US forces launched airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, further exacerbating the situation.
This week’s warning by the Iranian official serves as a stark reminder of the escalating tensions between the two nations. The consequences of a potential strait closure and retaliatory strikes are vast, and any disruption to oil supply chains could have far-reaching effects on global economies.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be closely monitoring the development to gauge the potential impact on regional and global stability.