As the United States initiates a maritime blockade against Iran, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that it could close additional key maritime routes used by the U.S. and its allies, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
On July 15, the IRGC stated through the state-run IRNA news agency, "We can close all other export routes that benefit the U.S. and its allies," adding, "Regional energy exports will either be enjoyed by all or none at all."
The IRGC also declared, "We will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has already been closed, until the U.S. ends its malicious actions." Before the onset of the war in February, approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas maritime transport passed through this strait.
Experts believe Iran's threat of further blockades is aimed at the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial passage connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, vital for Saudi Arabia's oil exports and maritime logistics between Asia and Europe.
A senior official from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement warned on July 13 that they are prepared to close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait if Saudi Arabia continues its attacks on Yemen. He claimed, "If the strait is blocked, international oil prices could rise to $200 per barrel." The Houthis have a history of attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea following the Gaza conflict in 2023.
The U.S. is also ramping up military pressure on Iran. The U.S. Central Command reported that it conducted airstrikes on dozens of military targets in the Strait of Hormuz and along the Iranian coast for seven hours the previous day. The U.S. stated that Iran has attacked seven commercial vessels in the past week, resulting in approximately ten crew members being killed, missing, or injured.
Iran has claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Kuwait's state news agency reported that a fire at one of the facilities hit by Iranian attacks was extinguished. Jordan confirmed it intercepted three ballistic missiles launched from Iran.
Meanwhile, the U.S. began its maritime blockade against Iran at 5 a.m. Korean time on July 15, with President Donald Trump warning that if Iran does not return to negotiations, he will target power plants and bridges next week.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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