Iran Vows Strong Response to U.S. Actions Amid Ongoing Conflict
WASHINGTON/DUBAI: Iran issued a stern warning on Thursday, threatening to carry out “long and painful strikes” against U.S. positions if attacks from Washington resume. This statement comes as Iran reinforces its control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, hindering U.S. plans to form a coalition aimed at reopening the waterway.
With two months of conflict between the U.S.-Israeli alliance and Iran, the key maritime passage remains blocked, disrupting 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies. This situation has led to significant increases in global energy prices and raised fears of a potential economic downturn.
Efforts to mediate the conflict have stalled. Although a ceasefire has been in effect since April 8, Iran continues to obstruct traffic through the strait, responding to a U.S. naval blockade aimed at cutting off Iran’s crucial oil exports.
U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to be briefed today about potential military actions aimed at pressuring Iran to negotiate an end to the conflict, as reported by a U.S. official.
News of these military plans has already impacted oil prices, with Brent crude climbing to over $126 a barrel before settling around $113.
A senior official from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that any U.S. military action would lead to severe consequences for American positions in the region. Major General Majid Mousavi was quoted as saying that U.S. warships could face a similar fate to those regional bases.
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei also emphasized Iran’s determination to control the Strait of Hormuz, stating that any foreign entities have no business in that region. Iran’s parliament speaker and foreign minister echoed these sentiments, reinforcing the nation’s grip over the strait.
Since the conflict began on February 28, Brent prices have doubled, contributing to rising inflation and higher fuel costs worldwide, which could create political challenges for many countries.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that if the situation continues, it would stall global economic growth, increase inflation, and push millions more into poverty and extreme hunger. He stated, “The longer this vital artery is choked, the harder it will be to reverse the damage.”
In addition to obstructing shipping through the strait, Iran has launched drones and missiles targeting Israel and U.S. bases, as well as infrastructure associated with U.S. interests in Gulf nations. Amazon has indicated that it may take months to restore normal operations in its cloud regions in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates following disruptions caused by the conflict, which has resulted in numerous casualties across the Middle East.
