Iran Warns US Energy Assets in the Gulf Are Vulnerable to Retaliatory Attacks
Iran has threatened to retaliate against any new American attack on its oil and gas assets. Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that US energy assets in the Gulf region and around the Strait of Hormuz are vulnerable to Tehran’s retaliatory strikes.
“Attack our assets, and you will be attacked,” Ghalibaf declared in a statement, as reported by Anadolu Agency and Reuters on Tuesday (8/9/2026).
“We have already proven it. Just ask the bases that can no longer operate,” he added.
The statement came as the United States and Iran once again attacked each other, pushing oil prices towards their highest level in six weeks.
So far, there are no signs of diplomatic progress that could end the conflict, which has lasted six months, and restore the normal flow of energy in the Gulf region. Iran has tightened restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas supplies, since the war began on 28 February.
Over the weekend, US forces attacked at least three Iranian tankers, two of which were moored at Kharg Island, Tehran’s main oil export terminal. Iran responded by attacking tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and US military-linked vessels in the region.
On Saturday (5/9), the US Central Command (CENTCOM) released video footage showing strikes on Iranian vessels, accompanied by a warning to Tehran not to attack American ships.
“We will not hesitate to defend American forces and, if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and vulnerable oil fleet,” CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper declared.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reposted the CENTCOM footage via the social media platform X, adding his own warning to Iran.
“It’s very simple: if Iran shoots at US ships, we will destroy (and sink) their oil tanker ships. All they need to do is not shoot at the US Navy,” Hegseth stated.
“Iran’s oil tanker fleet has no defences — Iran has no navy and no air force. Our planes, ships and submarines can hit everything,” he said.
Ghalibaf, in a statement that appeared to be a direct response to Hegseth, reinforced Iran’s warning to the United States.
“It’s very simple: the oil and gas production chain here is vast, easily accessible and vulnerable. American oil and gas companies operating in these waters and their facilities face the same vulnerabilities,” Ghalibaf said, in a tone aimed at warning the US.