Tehran/Washington (Web Desk): Tensions in the Middle East have escalated to a new level as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRG) issued a direct challenge to US President Donald Trump.
The Iranian response came after Trump claimed that the United States would provide security for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a statement that drew immediate condemnation from Tehran.
Addressing the US president, the Revolutionary Guards declared, “If you have the courage, demonstrate it by protecting oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz with American warships.”
A spokesperson for the Iranian military clarified that while the Strait has not been fully closed, US and Israeli naval vessels will under no circumstances be allowed to transit through the waters.
The US’s failure to maintain security in the strategic waterway has had immediate repercussions on the global oil market. Brent crude surged to $92 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is trading at $88 per barrel, marking a significant increase in energy prices worldwide.
Expressing deep concern over the unfolding situation, Qatar’s Minister of Energy warned that a conflict in the Middle East could have devastating effects on the global economy.
He cautioned that Gulf countries could completely halt oil production within days or weeks, and if tensions persist, oil prices could spike to as high as $150 per barrel.