Iran Threatens Strait of Hormuz Oil Shipments as $200 Per Barrel Price Warning Sparks Global Energy Fears

Tensions in the Middle East have intensified after Iran warned it could block oil shipments passing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, raising fears that global crude oil prices could surge to as high as $200 per barrel. The warning comes amid growing hostilities between Tehran and Washington, further unsettling the already volatile global energy market.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, declared on Wednesday that Iran would not allow any oil shipments destined for the United States, Israel, or their allies to pass through the vital waterway. According to reports, Zolfaqari said any vessel transporting oil to those countries would be considered a “legitimate target” if tensions continue to escalate.

He accused the United States and its allies of destabilizing the region, warning that attempts to suppress global oil prices would fail if the conflict widens. Zolfaqari stressed that the price of crude oil is closely tied to regional security, adding that the ongoing tensions could push the global benchmark to around $200 per barrel.

The threat followed a sharp warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said “death, fire and fury” would be unleashed if Iran interfered with oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The exchange of threats between the two sides has heightened fears of a wider conflict that could disrupt global energy supplies.

Meanwhile, global crude markets have already reacted to the uncertainty. Oil prices briefly climbed above $100 per barrel earlier this week — the highest level since mid-2022 — before easing slightly. Shipping companies have also begun suspending routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal due to security concerns, highlighting the growing risk to global trade and energy flows.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. The narrow maritime passage connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, serving as the main route for oil and gas exports from major Gulf producers to international markets. Any disruption to traffic through the strait could send shockwaves across the global economy.

source: punch