Iran will block Middle Eastern oil exports to US and Israel
Tehran (ANTARA) - Iran has declared that it will not permit the United States, Israel, and their allies to export “a drop” of oil from the Middle Eastern region whilst the conflict continues, according to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini on Tuesday.
“Amid the ongoing aggression from the United States and the Zionist regime against the Iranian people and our civilian infrastructure, Iran’s armed forces will not allow a drop of oil to be exported from this region to hostile parties and their partners until further notice,” Naini said, as quoted by Tasnim news agency.
He added that any attempts by opposing parties to pressure and control oil and gas prices would only be temporary and would not succeed.
According to Naini, Tehran currently holds control over developments in the ongoing conflict. He emphasised that Iran will also determine when the conflict will end.
Naini also dismissed statements from several US government officials claiming that Iran’s missile launch capabilities have weakened. Instead, he said Iran will increase the power of its missile attacks. From now on, Iran is reported to be launching more powerful missiles with warheads weighing at least one tonne.
These assertions came after the United States and Israel launched attacks against several targets in Iran on 28 February, including in the capital Tehran. The strikes reportedly caused damage to several facilities and resulted in civilian casualties.
Iran subsequently retaliated by launching attacks on Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.
Washington and Tel Aviv initially stated that their attacks, which they characterised as a “preventive” measure, were necessary to address threats stemming from Iran’s nuclear programme. However, in subsequent developments, both countries also expressed their desire to see a change of power in Iran.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reported to have been killed on the first day of the military operation. The Islamic Republic of Iran’s government subsequently declared a 40-day period of national mourning.
The conflict developments have also triggered reactions from several other countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin called Khamenei’s killing a cynical violation of international law. Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the military operations by the United States and Israel, and urged immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities.