Iran sharply raised tensions on Wednesday by warning it could block more key sea routes after closing the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States renewed pressure through military action and a naval blockade. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that regional energy exports should either remain open for everyone or stop for everyone, signaling that Tehran may widen the conflict beyond Hormuz. As a result, concerns over global energy supplies and international shipping increased significantly.
Meanwhile, attention shifted to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another critical waterway linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Analysts believe Iran could rely on its Houthi allies in Yemen to disrupt shipping there, creating fresh risks for global trade and oil markets. A senior Houthi official warned that continued Saudi military action could force the group to close the passage, potentially driving oil prices as high as 200 dollars per barrel. The Houthis have previously targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea, proving their ability to disrupt international shipping.
At the same time, the United States expanded its military campaign, saying Iran had attacked seven commercial ships during the past week, leaving several crew members dead, injured, or missing. American forces carried out hours of strikes on military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and along Iran’s coastline, aiming to weaken capabilities used against commercial shipping. In response, the IRGC claimed it targeted American military facilities and logistics sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, while Jordan confirmed intercepting three ballistic missiles that entered its airspace.
Furthermore, the IRGC insisted that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until what it described as the end of American aggression. Before the conflict escalated earlier this year, nearly one-fifth of the world’s daily oil and gas shipments passed through the strategic waterway. The latest confrontation has reignited fears of prolonged supply disruptions, especially after a fragile ceasefire reached in June failed to prevent renewed fighting between both sides.
US President Donald Trump also intensified pressure by warning that American forces could strike Iranian power plants and bridges if Tehran refused to restart negotiations. Although he abandoned an earlier proposal to impose a 20 percent shipping fee through the Strait of Hormuz, he said Washington would instead pursue investment agreements with Gulf states. Meanwhile, oil prices continued climbing after reaching their highest levels in more than a month, reflecting growing concerns that the conflict could further tighten global energy supplies.
