Iran has issued a stark warning that it could close further regional trading routes, in addition to the Strait of Hormuz, as the United States launched a fresh series of military strikes against Iranian targets. The Revolutionary Guards stated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain inaccessible until the US ceases its 'acts of aggression', adding that other oil and gas export channels in the region could also face closure.
This escalation follows US military actions confirmed by Central Command (Centcom), which reported drone, air, and navy strikes on Iran on Wednesday morning, coming after a seven-hour operation overnight. US President Donald Trump has further intensified the rhetoric, vowing to target Iran's bridges and power plants next week if the nation does not return to diplomatic negotiations. Speaking on an American news programme on Tuesday night, President Trump indicated that 'energy targets' would be among the final objectives, but ultimately they would be hit.
The current tensions have been building since President Trump announced that a previously threatened 20% toll on the Strait of Hormuz would be replaced by 'massive' trade and investment deals with Gulf states. However, a renewed US blockade on Iranian ports was implemented on Tuesday evening, effectively preventing vessels from transiting to and from Iranian coastal areas. In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) explicitly warned the US to 'expect the closure of other oil and gas export routes that serve the interests of the United States and its allies', though specific routes were not detailed.
Simultaneously, Iran's state-run broadcaster reported that the country's army had carried out separate attacks on US targets located in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain. These US allies subsequently confirmed that they had intercepted drones and missiles launched from Iranian territory. The escalating situation has prompted concerns across the international community regarding regional stability and the potential impact on global energy markets.
For the UK, the Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation and the risk of arbitrary detention. British nationals already in the region, particularly those working in the oil and gas sectors, are urged to exercise extreme caution and monitor local security advice closely. The potential closure of key shipping lanes beyond the Strait of Hormuz could have significant implications for global trade, particularly for oil and gas supplies, which could in turn affect energy prices in the UK and wider European markets.