Iran threatens to halt oil exports amid escalating US economic pressure

Iran has signaled potential escalation in response to "the toughest sanctions in history" threatened by the United States. A former Revolutionary Guards chief, Mohsen Rezaei, warned that "not a single drop of oil will be exported" if the economic war persists.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about a fifth of global energy, has been severely impacted by Iranian attacks and threats. While some tankers have recently moved through, volumes remain low. Iran has also blacklisted 45 tankers for non-compliance with its shipping rules.

Tehran's Houthi allies in Yemen have also restricted Red Sea shipping, impacting routes crucial for crude oil transport to Asia. Chinese shipping companies are reportedly rerouting vessels away from the Bab el-Mandeb strait due to increased attacks, including one near Saudi Arabia's main oil terminal and a drone strike near the Suez Canal.

Beyond maritime threats, Iran has warned of "earthquake"-like retaliation against neighbors aiding US economic pressure. While direct attacks on Western countries are beyond Iran's current capabilities, intensified strikes on Gulf states could target energy infrastructure or vital water desalination plants, potentially causing significant political damage to the US administration and its allies.

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If the economic war continues, ⁠not a single drop of oil will be exported, neither through the Strait of Hormuz nor from anywhere in the Persian Gulf.