Iran’s New Security Chief Vows to Block Gulf Oil Exports

Iran’s newly appointed national security adviser, Mohsen Rezaei, has issued a stark warning to Gulf Arab states: do not join Washington’s economic pressure campaign against Tehran. In his first major statement since taking office, Rezaei vowed to prevent “a single drop of oil” from leaving the region if those countries side with the United States. Rezaei, a hard-line figure known for his close ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, did not specify how Iran would enforce such a blockade. But his remarks signal a sharp escalation in rhetoric as the U.S. pushes for tighter sanctions on Iranian crude exports. The warning appears aimed at Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf producers that might increase output to offset Iranian oil losses. Analysts say a full blockade is unlikely, but the threat adds fresh uncertainty to global energy markets already strained by supply cuts. Iran’s leadership has repeatedly accused Gulf states of serving as tools of U.S. policy. Rezaei’s statement reinforces that narrative, while also testing the limits of regional diplomacy. For now, Gulf governments have not publicly responded.