Iran Threatens Retaliation Against US Energy Assets in Gulf

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has warned that US energy assets in the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz are exposed to Iranian retaliation if Washington strikes Tehran's oil and gas infrastructure.

In a statement on social media, Qalibaf said: 'It's simple: the oil and gas production chain here is sprawling, accessible, and exposed. American oil and gas companies across these waters and facilities share that exposure.'

The warning comes amid US warnings that Iranian oil vessels could be targeted in response to attacks on American naval forces.

Last week, US Central Command (CENTCOM) shared footage detailing the targeting of Iranian vessels, with its commander, Adm. Brad Cooper, saying: 'Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost, taking out three of yours.'

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later reposted the CENTCOM footage and added his own warning: 'It's simple: if Iran shoots at U.S. ships, we will destroy (and sink) their oil tankers.'