The situation in the Persian Gulf is escalating, and this time the focus is on Iran’s oil tankers. Recently, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bakir Kalibaf, made a high-profile statement in which he warned the US of the possible consequences of attacks on Iranian vessels. He emphasised that American oil and gas facilities in the region could become potential targets for retaliatory action by Iran.
This statement came after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegset described Iranian tankers as ‘defenceless’. This remark clearly did not leave the Iranians indifferent, and Kalibaf, who is also a key negotiator between Tehran and Washington, responded by saying that oil and gas supply chains in the region are vulnerable, and that any aggression against Iran will not go unpunished.
Tensions escalated after US forces struck three Iranian tankers on 5 September, including in the vicinity of Kharq Island – Iran’s most important oil export hub. These actions were in response to recent Iranian attacks on US warships in the region.
The situation in the Persian Gulf was already tense due to various geopolitical factors, but this new round of confrontation between the US and Iran could have serious consequences for international oil markets and global security. It is clear that diplomatic efforts on both sides will be absolutely essential to prevent further escalation of the conflict.