By Oluwakemi Kindness
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States ends what it calls its “acts of aggression”, raising fears of further disruption to global oil supplies.
In a statement on Wednesday, the IRGC warned that other regional oil and gas export routes serving US and allied interests could also become targets if the conflict continues.
The Guards said, “Oil and gas exports from the region will either be available for everyone or for no one,” but did not specify which routes could be affected.
The warning came after the US resumed military strikes on Iranian targets and reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The conflict, which began in late February, has intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes.
The US military said it struck dozens of Iranian military targets near the strait to weaken Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at US-linked military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, according to Iranian state media.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said Washington’s decision to restore the blockade had effectively undermined last month’s truce agreement aimed at reducing hostilities.
US President Donald Trump has also threatened to expand military operations, warning that the US could target Iran’s power plants and bridges next week if Tehran refuses to return to negotiations.
The renewed fighting has slowed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, pushed oil prices higher and heightened concerns over global energy security.
