Arabic version: إيران تهدد بالهجوم على السفن في مضيق هرمز

Iran has declared that it will attack any vessel attempting to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions escalate following recent military actions. A senior commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Ebrahim Jabari, stated that the strait is closed and warned that ships would be set ablaze if they tried to pass. This declaration was reported by Iranian state media on March 2, 2026. According to Al Jazeera, Jabari emphasized that the IRGC and the regular navy would take decisive actions against any violators.

The threats come in response to an Israeli and US bombing campaign that has reportedly resulted in significant casualties, including the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Jabari indicated that Iran would also target oil pipelines, asserting that no oil would leave the region, predicting that oil prices could rise to $200 per barrel in the near future.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital oil transit route, with approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passing through it. Disruptions in this area could lead to significant increases in global crude prices, which have already seen sharp rises due to uncertainties stemming from the conflict. Earlier on the same day, natural gas prices surged in Europe and Asia following attacks on LNG facilities in Qatar, which halted production.

In light of these developments, the United States has indicated it will take measures to address rising energy prices, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing plans to mitigate the economic impact of the ongoing conflict with Iran.