Iran Vows to Close Strait of Hormuz for Good Unless US Ends War — Threatens to Attack Oil Routes of US Allies
Iran has warned it will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and treat any nation joining Washington’s economic pressure campaign as an enemy, as the US prepares what it calls its “greatest financial offensive” against Tehran.
The standoff escalated after the collapse of a 60-day ceasefire deadline, with Iran’s new security chief vowing to block Gulf oil exports and target the oil routes of any country that cooperates with US sanctions. Washington, meanwhile, has threatened “economic asphyxiation” and demanded that all countries and companies end trade with Iran or face penalties.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, carries about a fifth of the world’s oil supply daily, making it a critical global shipping route. Iran has said it will not reopen the strait unless the United States ends the war, despite talks with Oman on a temporary transit corridor [227652].
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, said Tehran would treat any nation joining the US “economic war” as an enemy and would attack oil export routes beyond the strait used by such countries. “If they continue, we will take action against that country,” he said, adding that Iran could target US economic interests in the region [225590].
The US Treasury has issued a clear warning to foreign governments and private firms: terminate all financial and commercial relationships with Tehran or face American sanctions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the goal is to “cut off every economic lifeline to Iran” [226781]. He earlier threatened the country with “economic asphyxiation” [227652].
Iran has dismissed the sanctions threat as “bound to fail,” insisting that key trading partners will resist American pressure [224458][227105]. Tehran said its allies and trading partners would not comply with Washington’s demands, even as the UAE announced it was suspending all commercial relations with Iran [225590].
Independent tracking firms say they cannot verify US claims about the volume of oil moving through the strait. These companies use satellite images, port data, and ship signals to estimate oil flow and report numbers that do not match Washington’s statements. Some tankers may turn off their transponders, but satellite imagery should still show large vessels waiting or moving [227432].
Analysts warn that the US strategy of economic pressure may not break Iran. Experts note that Iran’s regime fights for survival and has never hesitated to transfer economic suffering to its population. “The question is whether there is a breaking point,” said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group. “I would say there isn’t” [225589].
Iran’s new security chief, Rezaei, has vowed to prevent “a single drop of oil” from leaving the region if Gulf states side with the United States. The warning appears aimed at Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf producers that might increase output to offset Iranian oil losses [225963].
Washington’s new measures are expected to target Iran’s remaining revenue streams, aiming to cut off funding for its military operations. The move signals a sharp shift from diplomatic efforts to economic pressure, raising the risk of a broader confrontation [226184].
Iran has also reportedly considered attacking military bases in southeastern Europe, including sites in Bulgaria and Cyprus, if the United States escalates its military campaign, according to documents reviewed by the Financial Times [223499].
The US says it has broken Iran’s chokehold on the strait by redirecting shipping toward Oman, but analysts warn this is a temporary patch that could trigger a new wave of open war. Both sides claim control of the passage, which narrows to just 40 kilometers at its most confined point [225589].
Iran’s leadership has repeatedly accused Gulf states of serving as tools of US policy. Rezaei’s statements reinforce that narrative while testing the limits of regional diplomacy. For now, Gulf governments have not publicly responded [225963].
Pakistan reported progress in its efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran, though it provided no specific details. The development adds to rising tensions, with no public sign of direct negotiations [227105].