Iran warns Trump that exposed US energy assets could face retaliation as tensions rise over strikes, shipping and the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Iran has issued a fresh warning to the Trump administration, saying U.S. energy interests and other American assets in the region could face retaliation if Washington launches further attacks.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Monday that the region’s energy infrastructure is widespread and vulnerable, warning that American oil and gas companies operating across the Gulf share that exposure.
The warning comes after a sharp escalation between the United States and Iran involving attacks on shipping in and around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Qalibaf said Iran would respond to attacks against its assets, signaling that Tehran could broaden its retaliation beyond direct military targets if U.S. strikes continue.
The latest confrontation follows U.S. strikes on Iranian oil tankers. Iran has subsequently threatened additional measures affecting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.
Iran threatens wider Gulf escalation
Iranian officials have also discussed establishing a new restricted maritime zone in the Gulf. Mohsen Rezaei said Tehran planned to announce details of the zone and a proposed shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the proposed restrictions, vessels entering the designated area could face Iranian sanctions, adding another layer of uncertainty for international shipping.
The developments have raised concerns about a broader disruption to global energy supplies. Oil prices moved sharply higher Monday as shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed amid the military confrontation.
Brent crude approached $100 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also climbed significantly as traders assessed the risk of further supply disruptions.
US-Iran tensions continue to intensify
The latest threats follow a series of military exchanges involving U.S. forces, Iranian forces and commercial shipping. The United States has said its strikes against Iranian tankers followed attacks targeting American warships.
Iran, meanwhile, has claimed retaliatory strikes against U.S. vessels and warned that further American attacks would trigger a stronger response. Some Iranian claims about attacks have not been independently verified.
With tensions rising around the Strait of Hormuz, the latest Iranian warning puts regional energy infrastructure and international shipping at the center of the confrontation.
Any further military action could increase pressure on oil markets and deepen concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important energy routes.
