Iran Wields Oil Export Veto Threat Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that no country can sell oil if Iran is unable to do so, a stark message delivered via X after US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper claimed American forces had full control of the Strait of Hormuz and halted Iran’s oil exports.

Ghalibaf's statement on July 22 echoed his warning that no one will be able to sell oil in an area where Iran cannot, a stance he reiterated by emphasizing the security of the strategic waterway responsible for a fifth of global oil demand relies on the absence of US forces.

'The equation of this war is clear: either all or none!' Ghalibaf said, underscoring his assertion that security of the Strait of Hormuz depends on the absence of terrorist US troops. He also noted that if Iran's security is not ensured, no infrastructure will be safe in the region.