Iran threatens ‘economic war’ over Hormuz’s control: ‘Not a single drop of oil will be exported’
Iran on Monday threatened to launch an ‘economic war’ by halting oil exports from the Strait of Hormuz, lodging strong protest over US President Donald Trump’s claims on the critical waterway through which nearly one-fifth of global crude transits.
It also warned countries against backing the United States in its war against Iran that has been ongoing for more than five months.
“If the economic war continues, not a single drop of oil will be exported٫ neither through the Strait of Hormuz nor from anywhere in the Persian Gulf. Iran will regard any country’s participation in or support for America’s economic war against the Iranian people as an act of war,” Mohsen Rezaei, the hardline leader of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, said on X (previously Twitter).
Rezaei’s remarks come as Trump has repeatedly stated that he would declare the Hormuz a US territory. The Strait, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, has remained under a blockade since the conflict began on February 28 that has severely led to disruptions in global supply chains and leading to an increase in crude rates.
The Trump administration has been facing immense pressure over Hormuz’s blockade, with even its allies calling for an end of conflict with Iran. Amid this, a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) claimed earlier this month that Trump was considering stopping hostilities against Iran and give up on a nuclear deal if the Middle East nation decides to open the Hormuz.
But on the other hand, Iran and Oman have struck a deal for a safe passage of vessels transiting through Hormuz. They are also discussing its management, which may force the vessels pay a fees; even as Trump has reiterated that the Hormuz must remain free for all ships.
Trump has also threaten to target Oman over its deal with Iran on Hormuz. “If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the sh** out of them,” he told Fox News earlier this month. However, Oman has not reacted to his threats.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press (AP) has reported that no confirmed attacks took place in Hormuz in the past 48 hours, even though shipping traffic still remained at reduced levels. According to the US military, 70 commercial ships were redirected on Sunday due to its blockade of Iranian ports.
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