Oil Shock Looms as US Tightens Iran Blockade
News Desk
Tehran: The confrontation between the United States and Iran has intensified after Washington announced a new phase of military operations targeting Iranian maritime routes, ports and coastal areas, further raising concerns over regional security and global oil supplies.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest operations are aimed at reducing Iran’s military capabilities allegedly being used against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The command said more than 20 US warships and hundreds of aircraft are currently involved in military activities across the Middle East.
The US military has reportedly restricted maritime movement around Iranian ports and coastal areas, allowing vessels from other countries to pass through while blocking Iranian-linked shipping activities.
Following the announcement, explosions were reported in several Iranian locations, including Qeshm, Kish, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Hingam, Bampour and Sirak. Foreign media reports said several Iranian boats were destroyed during strikes on Kish Island.
US President Donald Trump had earlier warned Tehran that Washington was preparing further action if Iranian officials did not return to negotiations. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said energy facilities had been kept as a final option but could become targets if diplomatic efforts failed.
The developments have triggered strong reactions from Tehran. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected pressure from Washington, saying military action and economic restrictions would not force Iran back into negotiations.
Iran has also claimed to have closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route through which a significant portion of the world’s energy supplies traditionally passes. The move has intensified fears of disruption in international oil markets.
The conflict has also expanded beyond Iran’s borders, with Iranian forces claiming drone attacks on a US military base in Jordan and strikes on weapons facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. Kuwait said its defence systems intercepted Iranian drones and that the resulting fire was brought under control.
Washington has accused Iran of targeting commercial vessels in recent days, claiming several sailors were killed or went missing. The United Arab Emirates also reported casualties following attacks on two oil tankers.
The escalating tensions have sent shockwaves through global markets, with crude oil prices reportedly rising by around 15 percent in the past week to about $85 per barrel, increasing concerns over higher fuel costs worldwide.
