Iran Threatens to Block Trade Routes After U.S. Strikes

Iran has issued a stark warning, threatening to block additional regional trade routes in response to a new wave of U.S. military strikes targeting Iranian objectives.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain inaccessible until the United States ceases its "acts of aggression." The statement further cautioned that other vital routes for oil and gas exports could also face closure, according to BBC reports. This escalation follows U.S. Central Command's announcement of drone, aircraft, and naval strikes on Iranian targets early Wednesday, in addition to a prolonged overnight operation.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. would target Iran's bridges and power plants next week if Tehran does not return to negotiations. "I will leave the energy sector targets until the end, but eventually we will hit the energy infrastructure too," Trump said in a Tuesday evening interview.

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I will leave the energy sector targets until the end, but eventually we will hit the energy infrastructure too.

The escalating rhetoric comes after Trump indicated that a previously threatened 20% tariff on the Strait of Hormuz would be replaced by "massive" trade and investment deals with Gulf states. On Tuesday evening, the U.S. reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports, preventing vessels from transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas. In response, the IRGC warned Washington to "expect the closure of other oil and gas export routes that serve the interests of the United States and its allies." Iranian officials have not specified which routes are under consideration.

Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported that the country's military conducted separate attacks on U.S. targets in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain. U.S. allies announced they had intercepted drones and missiles launched from Iran.

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expect the closure of other oil and gas export routes that serve the interests of the United States and its allies.