Iran has declared that it will not allow a single litre of oil to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of the United States, Israel, or their allies, warning that expanding conflict in the Middle East could push global oil prices to as high as $200 per barrel.
The warning was issued on Wednesday by Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, amid rising hostilities between Iran and the United States.
“And let us firmly reiterate that we will never allow even a single litre of oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of the US, the Zionists, and their partners,” Zolfaqari said, according to a report by Iran International.
He added that any vessel transporting oil to the United States, Israel, or their allies would be considered a legitimate target.
“Any vessel or oil shipment intended for America, the Zionist regime, or their hostile allies will be a legitimate target for us,” he said.
Zolfaqari also accused Washington and its allies of attempting to shield themselves behind neighbouring countries in the region.
“Your strategy of hiding behind Iran’s neighbouring countries and the Muslims of the West Asia region, and even the world, has expired,” he added.
The Iranian military spokesperson further warned that if the conflict expands, global oil markets could face severe disruptions.
“With the expansion of war in the region, we have announced that you should prepare for $200 per barrel because the price of oil depends on security in the region, and you are the source of insecurity,” Zolfaqari said.
The statement comes a day after US President Donald Trump warned that “death, fire, and fury will reign upon them” if Iran attempted to disrupt the flow of oil through the waterway.
Over the past week, global crude markets have experienced what traders describe as a “brutal wave of volatility” following the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
Oil prices surged past $100 per barrel on Monday, the highest level since July 2022, before easing to about $87 on Tuesday.
Security concerns have also begun to affect global shipping routes. On March 2, several major container shipping lines suspended sailings through both the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal due to rising security risks linked to the crisis.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime corridor that links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
It serves as the primary sea route for oil and gas exports from Gulf producers to global markets, making it one of the most strategically important energy transit chokepoints in the world.
