Washington: Iran said on Monday it will continue blocking oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz until attacks against the country stop, as United States President Donald J. Trump warned that Washington would respond with stronger military strikes if global energy supplies are disrupted.
Iranian officials said the blockade is a response to the ongoing air and missile attacks on Iranian targets in the widening conflict involving the United States and Israel. They insisted that Iran will not reopen the key shipping route until the military pressure against the country ends.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important oil transit routes in the world. Nearly one fifth of the global oil supply normally passes through the narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to international markets. The blockade has already slowed tanker traffic and raised fears of a major energy supply shock.
President Trump said the United States would take firm action if Iran continues to interfere with oil shipments. He warned that Iran would be hit much harder if it blocks the movement of tankers carrying energy supplies from the Gulf.
Trump also said the United States and its allies will ensure that international shipping routes remain open and secure. Washington has increased military presence in the region as tensions continue to rise.
The conflict has already caused heavy casualties. Reports from human rights groups and regional officials say more than one thousand civilians have been killed in Iran since the strikes began in late February. Thousands of others have been injured and many families have been displaced.
The growing crisis has also shaken global energy markets. Oil prices have surged amid fears that a prolonged blockade could disrupt supplies from major producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Governments and energy agencies are now discussing emergency steps to stabilize markets, including the possible release of strategic oil reserves.
Diplomatic efforts to calm the situation remain limited as both sides continue to exchange threats. Analysts warn that if the blockade continues and military operations expand, the conflict could further destabilize the Middle East and deepen the global energy crisis.