Iran has warned that it could block additional key maritime export routes used by the United States and its allies, following its closure of the Hormuz Strait.
On July 15, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated through the state-run IRNA news agency, "We can close all other export routes that benefit the U.S. and its allies," adding, "Regional energy exports will either be enjoyed by all or none at all."
The IRGC also declared, "We will not reopen the already closed Hormuz Strait until the U.S. ends its malicious actions." Before the onset of the war in February, approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas maritime transport passed through this strait.
Experts believe Iran's threat of further blockades is aimed at the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial passage connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, vital for Saudi Arabia's oil exports and maritime logistics between Asia and Europe.
A senior official from the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen warned on July 13, "If Saudi Arabia continues its attacks on Yemen, we are prepared to close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait." He claimed that if the strait were blocked, international oil prices could rise to $200 per barrel. The Houthis have a history of attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea following the Gaza conflict in 2023.
The United States is also ramping up military pressure on Iran. The U.S. Central Command reported that it conducted airstrikes on dozens of military targets in the Hormuz Strait and along the Iranian coast for seven hours the previous day. The U.S. stated that Iran had attacked seven commercial vessels in the past week, resulting in approximately ten crew members being killed, missing, or injured.
Iran has claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Kuwait's state news agency reported that a fire at one of the facilities hit by Iranian attacks was extinguished. Jordan confirmed it intercepted three ballistic missiles launched from Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Iran does not return to negotiations, he would order attacks on power plants and bridges next week.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.