- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that Iran would retaliate decisively against any "adventurous action" by the U.S., stating that attacks by the U.S. and Israel or participation by regional countries would be met with a "proportionate response."
- State-affiliated Nournews threatened that U.S. attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure would trigger Iranian strikes on oil fields in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as gas fields in Qatar and Israel, stating "all will be burned to ashes."
- In separate calls, Araqchi told Turkish, Pakistani and Saudi officials that Iran would respond decisively to any "aggression" and discussed the consequences of "destabilizing actions" by the U.S., as well as heightened regional insecurity.
- Oil prices have stayed high since U.S. and Israeli forces started the war with strikes on Iran on February 28, and the risk of Iranian attacks has deterred most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, sending shockwaves through the world economy.
- The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported two maritime incidents off Oman, including a tanker struck by an unknown projectile that damaged its engine room and another master seeing a large splash and explosion close to the vessel, with no damage reported.
- Adding to energy concerns, Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen recently began threatening the Bab el-Mandeb, the strait at the other end of the Red Sea from the Suez Canal and another export route for Saudi crude.
Iran has escalated its rhetoric against the U.S., warning that any military action could lead to significant retaliation targeting energy fields across the region.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi communicated this message during phone calls with senior officials from Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that any U.S. aggression would be met with a proportionate response.12345
Nournews, linked to Iran's security apparatus, stated that attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure would result in strikes on oil fields in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as gas fields in Qatar and Israel, declaring that "all will be burned to ashes."
The backdrop to these threats includes recent U.S. military actions and ongoing tensions in the region, with President Trump expressing skepticism about reaching a deal with Iran, citing their history of breaking agreements. Oil prices have remained high since the conflict escalated, and the risk of Iranian attacks has deterred shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy supply route.67
Additionally, Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have threatened the Bab el-Mandeb strait, further heightening concerns in the energy sector. The situation remains volatile as both sides prepare for potential escalation.10
“Nournews, affiliated with Iran's top security body, said US strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure would trigger attacks on Saudi and UAE oil fields and Qatari and Israeli gas fields, warning 'all will be burned to ashes.' Araqchi echoed the warnings to Turkish, Pakistani and Saudi officials hours after Kuwait's army said it destroyed Iranian drones.”
