Iran Threatens Wider Trade Route Closures Amid US Strikes
Iran warns of further trade route shutdowns as US military strikes intensify and tensions rise across the Middle East.
Iran has threatened to close more trade routes linked to the United States and its allies as military tensions increase following fresh American strikes on Iranian targets.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the United States stopped what it called its “acts of aggression” against Iran. The group also warned that other regional oil and gas export routes could face disruption if the conflict continues.
The warning came after the US military’s Central Command (Centcom) confirmed it carried out new drone, air and naval strikes against Iranian military sites on Wednesday. The operation followed a separate seven-hour mission overnight.
Centcom said the attacks aimed to weaken Iran’s military strength and reduce its ability to threaten commercial and civilian shipping in the region. The latest action came as US President Donald Trump increased pressure on Tehran to return to negotiations.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump said, “I’ll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we’ll hit energy targets.” He also warned that the US could target Iran’s bridges and power plants if talks did not restart.
The escalation followed Trump’s decision to abandon a proposed 20 per cent transit fee for cargo moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he announced plans for what he described as “massive” trade and investment agreements with Gulf states while keeping restrictions on Iranian ports.
The IRGC responded by warning that Washington should “expect the closure of other oil and gas export routes that serve the interests of the United States and its allies.” The group did not identify the routes it might target.
Iran’s state broadcaster also reported attacks on US-linked targets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. The three countries said their air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran.
The ongoing Iran US tensions have raised concerns over regional security, energy supplies and international trade routes.
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