Iran Threatens Gulf Oil Routes Over US Sanctions
Iran's national security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, has warned that his country will disrupt oil exports from the Persian Gulf if regional countries cooperate with US sanctions against Tehran. The warning comes as the Trump administration prepares to intensify economic pressure on Iran.
According to Rezaei, countries cannot join the US in imposing an economic blockade and harm Iranian interests while continuing to benefit from unrestricted oil flows. He added that any country assisting Washington's economic pressure campaign will be treated as an enemy.
The threat raises the prospect of a broader disruption to energy supplies across the Gulf at a time when the Trump administration is preparing to announce its economic plan against Tehran. Analysts say the measures could include sanctions against countries buying Iranian oil and additional restrictions on financial transactions with Tehran.
Iran has been locked in an economic confrontation with the US since months of military hostilities began, and has restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy corridors. Rezaei warned that if Gulf states participate in the US pressure campaign, Iran could move against alternative routes used by oil producers.
Saudi Arabia and Iraq have invested heavily in pipelines carrying oil towards the Red Sea, allowing some exports to bypass the strait. However, these alternative routes could become vulnerable if Tehran follows through on its warning.