Tensions between the United States and Iran have deepened, with Tehran warning that oil exports across the Middle East could be at risk if Iran is prevented from selling its own crude. The latest warning came after US President Donald Trump threatened to target Iranian bridges and power plants if attacks on commercial ships continue.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf shared the warning in a post on X, saying the conflict had reached a stage where the security of energy exports across the region was under threat. “The equation of this war is clear: either all or none!”
He added, “In a region where we do not sell oil, no one will sell oil. If our security is not ensured, no infrastructure will be safe, and the security of the strait is in the absence of American forces. We have repeatedly said that the situation of the strait will not return to pre-war conditions.”
Trump Warns of Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure
The warning from Tehran came after President Donald Trump issued a strong message on Truth Social, saying the United States would respond forcefully to any attack on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump wrote, “From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
US Continues Military Operations
The latest exchange of warnings followed the 11th consecutive night of US military operations against Iran. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), Tuesday night’s operation lasted around 75 minutes. The US military said it targeted Iranian military command centres, maritime assets, aircraft hangars, drone storage sites and logistics facilities to reduce Tehran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington has accused Iran of attacking more than 30 commercial vessels travelling through the strategic waterway during the past three months.
Iran Responds With New Maritime Warnings
Iranian military officials also issued fresh warnings following Trump’s statement. The IRGC Navy advised ships not to use alternative routes through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, IRGC Aerospace Commander Mousavi warned that Iran would cut electricity supplies to US allies if Iranian bridges or power plants were attacked, according to Tasnim.
Separately, an IRGC spokesperson said on X that the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz had been mined and urged shipping companies to stay away from the route.
Oil Markets Remain Under Pressure
The growing confrontation has increased concerns over global energy supplies. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, carrying a large share of global seaborne crude exports. Any disruption in the area can quickly affect international oil prices.
With shipping risks rising in the Strait of Hormuz and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Brent crude briefly crossed $95 per barrel before easing to about $93.
To lower risks, Saudi Arabia has redirected millions of barrels of crude oil to its Red Sea port at Yanbu. However, if security also worsens around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, oil tankers may have to take the longer route through the Suez Canal, increasing shipping times and transport costs.
Regional Conflict Continues to Expand
The conflict began on February 28 after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Tehran later responded with attacks on Israel and Gulf countries that host US military bases.
Since then, military operations have spread across the region. Officials say US and Israeli strikes on Iran, along with Israeli operations in Lebanon, have resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people.
An Iranian health ministry official said recent US strikes killed 50 civilians and injured around 500 others. Meanwhile, the number of US troop deaths has risen to 18 in recent days, highlighting the growing human and military cost of the expanding conflict.
First published on: Jul 23, 2026 07:37 AM IST
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