Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Warns of Strait Closure
The Revolutionary Guard of Iran said on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz will stay shut until the United States stops what it calls “acts of aggression.” The Guard warned that other oil‑export routes in the region could also be targeted if the U.S. continues its actions.
Background on the Conflict
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been rising since late February. Both sides have launched attacks that have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries a large share of the world’s oil and gas. Iranian state television reported that the Guard struck U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait after American forces hit targets inside Iran.
Threats to Other Export Routes
In a statement, the Guard said:
- “The enemy should know that now that its pirates have blocked the Indian Ocean route for oil and gas exports to the world … it must also expect the closure of other oil and gas export routes that serve the interests of the United States and its allies.”
- “Oil and gas exports from the region will either be available to everyone or to no one.”
The Guard did not name which specific routes might be affected, but the warning suggests that any pathway used to move Gulf energy could become a target.
US Response and Military Actions
U.S. officials have repeatedly said they do not believe Iran can actually block the strait. They insist that international shipping lanes must stay open and have called Iran’s claims exaggerated. Despite this, the U.S. military has carried out strikes aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to attack merchant vessels in the strait.
Impact on Oil Prices
The uncertainty has already moved markets. On Wednesday morning, North Sea Brent crude rose 1.1% to $85.68 a barrel, showing how quickly traders react to any threat to Gulf oil supplies.
Trump’s Threats to Power Plants and Bridges
In a separate development, former President Donald Trump told Fox News that he would expand U.S. attacks on Iran next week if Tehran does not agree to negotiate. He said:
- “Next week it will be really bad for them, because next week the power plants are coming. Next week the bridges are coming.”
- “We will shut down all of their power plants. We will shut down all of their bridges if they don’t sit down at the table and negotiate.”
These comments add another layer of pressure on Iran’s infrastructure.
US Naval Blockade Details
The United States also imposed a renewed naval blockade on Iranian ports on Tuesday evening. According to U.S. Central Command:
- More than 20 U.S. Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft are operating across the Middle East.
- American forces remain “vigilant, lethal and ready.”
The blockade is meant to stop ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas.
Conclusion
The situation in the Gulf remains volatile. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is using the threat of closing the Strait of Hormuz—and possibly other export routes—as leverage against U.S. actions. Meanwhile, the United States continues its military pressure, including a naval blockade and warnings of broader attacks on Iranian infrastructure. For now, oil markets are reacting nervously, and the prospect of further escalation keeps both regional and global observers on edge.
