Iran has warned that it may prevent oil shipments from passing through the Strait of Hormuz if they are intended to benefit the United States, Israel and their allies.
Speaking on Wednesday, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Tehran would not allow oil shipments to move through the strategic waterway for the benefit of those countries.
“And let us firmly reiterate that we will never allow even a single litre of oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of the US, the Zionists, and their partners,” he said.
The warning follows a statement from US President Donald Trump, who threatened severe consequences if Iran interferes with global oil shipments.
Zolfaqari also warned that vessels transporting oil to the United States, Israel or their allies could become military targets.
“Any vessel or oil shipment intended for America, the Zionist regime, or their hostile allies, will be a legitimate target for us.
“Your strategy of hiding behind Iran’s neighbouring countries and the Muslims of the West Asia region, and even the world has expired.”
He further cautioned that efforts by the United States and Israel to influence global energy prices would fail.
“With the expansion of war in the region, we have announced that you should prepare for $200 per barrel because the price of oil depends on security in the region, and you are the source of insecurity,” he said.
The remarks come as global oil markets continue to react sharply to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Traders have described the situation as triggering a “brutal wave of volatility” in the international crude oil market.
Crude oil prices surged above $100 per barrel on Monday — the highest level recorded since July 2022 — before easing to about $87 per barrel on Tuesday.
Earlier, Trump warned that “death, fire, and fury will reign upon them (Iran)” if Tehran disrupts the flow of oil through the strategic waterway.
Shipping operations in the region have already been affected. On March 2, several major container shipping companies halted sailings through the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal due to growing security concerns.
The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It serves as the primary maritime route for oil and gas exports from Gulf producers to global markets, making it one of the most strategically important waterways in the world.
