Qalibaf Warns US: Block Iran's Oil Exports, Region Suffers
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issued a stern warning to the US and other countries on Tuesday, stating that regional oil exports would be at risk if Tehran remains blocked from exporting its crude. The statement came amid heightened tensions between Iran and Washington over restrictions on Iranian oil exports and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Qalibaf, 'the US and other countries should know, as we have said, that in a region where we cannot sell oil, no one will sell oil.' He also warned that regional infrastructure could be threatened if Iran's security is not protected. 'If our security is not guaranteed, no infrastructure will be safe,' he added.
The conflict between Tehran and Washington began in February with US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The two sides later reached an understanding in June concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, but disputes over its implementation and control of the waterway have persisted. Qalibaf's comments come as Tehran and Washington remain divided over efforts to restore normal commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.