Iran Issues Ultimatum on Energy Exports Amid U.S. Blockade

Tensions have sharply escalated in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a defiant warning against the U.S. naval blockade of its ports. The corps declared that "oil and gas exports from the region will be for everyone or for no one," signaling a potential disruption to global energy supplies.

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Oil and gas exports from the region will be for everyone or for no one.

The U.S. military announced it had struck dozens of Iranian military targets along the coast after accusing Iran of attacking commercial vessels transiting the vital waterway. The U.S. Central Command stated that the strikes, lasting seven hours, targeted Iranian positions. This action comes after U.S. President Donald Trump had initially announced the reimposition of the naval blockade, a plan he later reportedly abandoned following requests from Gulf countries.

Iran, however, countered the U.S. narrative by claiming that the recent American attacks on its southern regions resulted in the deaths of over 30 civilians. Iran's Health Ministry spokesperson reported that more than 260 people were injured, though many have since been released. One of the targeted locations was a military facility belonging to the 388th Mechanized Infantry Brigade in the Bampur region, where Iran's state television reported at least 13 missiles hit the base, killing seven soldiers and injuring many others.

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The attacks were cowardly and a decisive response will be given at the appropriate time.

The Iranian army condemned the U.S. action as a "cowardly attack" and vowed "a decisive response at the appropriate time." Iran's government suggested that the attacks, which reportedly targeted barracks and accommodation areas, aimed for maximum casualties, implying the U.S. could face retaliatory strikes against its military bases and interests in the region. The situation remains volatile, with both nations exchanging threats and accusations.

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Maximum casualties were aimed for.