Iran threatens US energy interests in region amid rising tensions

Iran threatens US energy interests in region amid rising tensions

Iran has warned the United States that any attack on Iranian assets could prompt Tehran to target American oil and gas companies operating across the region, raising fears of further escalation in an already tense situation.

Iranian Parliament Speaker and senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued the warning, saying Tehran would respond to any US attack against its assets with measures aimed at American interests in the region.

Ghalibaf said Iran had already demonstrated its ability to retaliate against US military targets and claimed that American bases in the region had suffered significant damage in previous attacks.

“Look at the US military bases,” Ghalibaf said, arguing that Iran’s response had affected their ability to operate effectively. He maintained that Tehran had the capability to strike back if Washington launched further attacks against Iranian targets.

The Iranian official also warned that Tehran could expand the scope of its retaliation beyond military installations. He said American oil and gas companies operating in the region could become targets if the United States attacked Iranian assets.

The warning came after the US Secretary of War said Washington could take action against Iranian oil tankers if Tehran attacked American warships. The statement added another layer to the escalating confrontation between the two countries.

The threats have intensified concerns over the security of energy infrastructure and shipping routes across the region. Any direct attacks on oil facilities, tankers or energy companies could disrupt supplies and create further uncertainty in international energy markets.

Iran’s latest warning also highlights the potential for the conflict to spread beyond direct military confrontation between Washington and Tehran. American energy interests remain deeply connected to the wider regional oil and gas network, meaning any attacks could have consequences for businesses, shipping and energy supplies well beyond the immediate conflict zone.

The exchange of warnings comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with both sides signaling that they are prepared to respond if the other carries out further military action.

Regional governments and international energy markets are closely watching the situation, as any escalation involving oil infrastructure or maritime routes could create broader economic and security repercussions.