Iran warns Strait of Hormuz blockade if US strikes power plants

Muhammad Asghar | GlobalBeat

Iran’s military threatened on Saturday to “completely close” the Strait of Hormuz if the United States bombs Iranian power plants.

The Revolutionary Guards navy commander said any US attack on civilian infrastructure would trigger an immediate blockade of the vital waterway.

The warning raises tensions in a region through which 20% of the world’s oil passes daily. Previous Iranian threats to close the strait have sent crude prices surging.

The commander issued the threat during a press briefing in Bandar Abbas. Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri told state media that US strikes on non-military targets would cross a red line.

“If America targets our power plants, we will immediately close the Strait of Hormuz,” Tangsiri said. “No ship will pass through.”

He spoke hours after reports circulated that Washington was considering strikes on Iranian electrical facilities. The reports followed alleged Iranian attacks on regional energy infrastructure.

International reaction

The White House declined to comment directly on Tangsiri’s remarks. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby referred reporters to the Pentagon.

Defense officials said the US military was monitoring the situation. “We maintain sufficient forces in the region to protect freedom of navigation,” an unnamed official told Reuters.

Bahrain, which hosts the US Fifth Fleet, expressed concern over the Iranian warning. The foreign ministry urged restraint from all parties.

Shipping companies immediately began assessing the risk. Oil tanker operators said insurance rates for the route had jumped 15%.

Energy markets respond

Oil prices surged 4% on the news. Brent crude traded at $89 per barrel, up from $85 earlier in the day.

Analysts warned any blockade would devastate global energy markets. “This strait handles 18 million barrels daily,” said Jane Nakamura of Energy Intelligence.

The narrow waterway separates Iran from the Arabian Peninsula. Its closure would force tankers on a lengthy detour around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.

Military capabilities

Iran has previously mined the strait during its 1980s war with Iraq. It controls the northern shoreline and maintains large missile batteries along the coast.

The Revolutionary Guards operate numerous fast attack craft. These small vessels can swarm larger ships and deploy mines.

US forces maintain bases in Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The Fifth Fleet’s carrier strike groups regularly patrol the area.

A 2012 Pentagon study found Iran could block the strait for weeks. This would require extensive mine-clearing operations.

Background

Iran has threatened Hormuz closure during previous confrontations with the West. In 2019, it seized several tankers after the US reimposed sanctions.

The 2018 nuclear deal withdrawal by Washington triggered escalating tensions. Iran responded by reducing its compliance with the agreement.

Recent attacks on commercial vessels in the region have heightened tensions. The US and its allies blame Iran for limpet mine attacks in 2019.

Iran denied responsibility but vowed “harsh retaliation” for any US attacks. It has increased uranium enrichment since 2019.

The strait has remained a flashpoint for decades. During the 1980s Tanker War, US forces escorted Kuwaiti vessels through Iranian minefields.

What’s Next

Both sides now face a diplomatic countdown. Iran’s parliament is scheduled to discuss military response options next week.

The IAEA board meets in Vienna on Wednesday to review Iran’s nuclear activities. Western diplomats may push for new sanctions.

Shipping executives expect insurers to impose war risk premiums by Monday. This could raise voyage costs by $500,000 per tanker.

Energy traders are watching Chinese oil inventories. Beijing maintains 90-day strategic reserves and could release them to calm markets.

US naval commanders have standard procedures for protecting shipping. Expect destroyers to accompany tankers if the situation escalates.

Another regional missile exchange would trigger automatic oil price spikes above $100 per barrel, analysts forecast.

The world will learn whether this becomes another cycle of threats or transforms into actual military action within days.