During a parliamentary session, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that restrictions preventing his country from selling its oil could affect other countries’ exports and infrastructure across the region, as Iranian exports face mounting pressure from the US naval blockade and indirect contacts between Tehran and Washington continue over de-escalation.
Qalibaf links regional exports to Iran’s oil
Qalibaf linked Iran’s ability to export oil to the continuation of exports by other countries in the region, saying that if his country could not sell its oil, others would not be able to do so either. The Iranian news agency IRNA quoted him as saying: “In the region where we do not sell our oil, no one will sell oil; and if our security is not ensured, no infrastructure will be safe.”
Qalibaf directly criticised the US administration, stressing that Iran would not retreat in the face of threats or restrictions imposed on it. He said US officials must understand that a policy of threats and intimidation would not push Tehran to change its position or make concessions under pressure.
Tehran threatens swift response to any attack
The Parliament speaker vowed that Iran’s response to any threat or military action targeting it would be “harsh, regrettable and swift”, linking US pressure to the possibility of an escalation spreading to the region, energy exports and their infrastructure. Iran faces restrictions on its oil exports under the US naval blockade, while other countries in the region are working to keep their shipments moving through alternative routes.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that oil exports from the Middle East had approached 13 million barrels per day. The newspaper said Iran’s ability to export its oil through the Strait of Hormuz had declined since the US blockade was reimposed in July. Falling oil revenues are increasing pressure on Tehran, while alternative shipping routes have become essential to maintaining other countries’ exports despite their higher costs and the risks involved in using them.
Strait of Hormuz threatens global energy supplies
Qalibaf’s remarks once again place the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of the confrontation because of its role in global energy trade. Any further disruption to shipping could affect oil supplies and prices, even if Iran’s escalation is directed primarily at the United States.
Alongside his threats, Qalibaf praised Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s positions during the United Nations General Assembly meetings and reiterated that his country would not retreat in the face of US pressure. He also said Iran had strengthened its military capabilities during previous confrontations and that threats would not induce it to make concessions.
The positions coincide with indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran through mediators, including proposals to de-escalate and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as well as discussions on sanctions and oil exports. Iran is awaiting a US response to its proposals, according to Reuters, while disagreements over the terms of a settlement remain.
In energy markets, oil prices rose on Tuesday for a second consecutive session amid continuing fears that supplies could be disrupted by the US-Iranian confrontation.
This comes as diplomatic efforts continue to avert another round of confrontation, while Tehran signals that it could extend the impact of restrictions on its exports to the rest of the region.
