Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned on Monday that U.S. energy companies could become targets if American forces continue striking Iranian assets.
The comments, reported by Al Jazeera, mark another escalation in the confrontation between Tehran and Washington.
Iran Warns U.S. Energy Firms Could Be Targeted
In a social media post, Ghalibaf argued that oil and gas infrastructure in the region remains vulnerable.
He said American energy companies operating across nearby waters and facilities could face similar exposure if Iranian assets are attacked.
Ghalibaf also warned that Iran would respond directly to any further strikes against its energy infrastructure.
His comments followed new threats from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
U.S. Warns Iran Over Attacks on American Ships
According to Al Jazeera, Hegseth warned that the United States could destroy Iranian oil vessels if Tehran targets American ships.
The exchange comes after a series of military incidents involving U.S. and Iranian forces.
Over the weekend, U.S. forces struck and disabled three Iranian oil tankers.
Washington said the action came in response to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ballistic missile attack targeting two U.S. Navy warships in the region.
Strait of Hormuz Restrictions Add to Tensions
Iranian authorities have also indicated that they plan to declare a restricted zone near the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days.
The announcement has increased concerns about shipping through one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Traffic through the strait has already fallen sharply.
Shipping data cited in media reports showed that just two vessels crossed the waterway on Saturday, followed by six on Sunday.
The 10-day moving average fell to around 10 vessels.
Hormuz Shipping Drops From Pre-War Levels
Before the conflict with Iran began in late February, around 125 large commodity vessels reportedly passed through the Strait of Hormuz each day.
That represented roughly one-fifth of global tanker traffic.
The sharp decline in shipping activity has therefore raised concerns about the availability of oil and gas supplies.
Any prolonged disruption could have a major effect on global energy markets.
Oil Supply Fears Shake Global Markets
The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already increased fears of an oil supply shock.
Traders are concerned that tighter energy supplies could push crude prices higher and add to global inflation pressures.
Higher oil prices could also complicate monetary policy.
If inflation accelerates, central banks may be forced to keep interest rates higher for longer or consider additional tightening.
U.S.-Iran Conflict Reaches Tense Stalemate
The conflict has now lasted around six months and appears to have entered a difficult stalemate.
Analysts at Vital Knowledge said the United States appears either unable or unwilling to bring the fighting to a conclusion.
At the same time, Tehran has shown little sign of backing down.
However, the analysts argued that Washington appears to have gained an advantage in the economic battle surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Sanctions and Naval Blockade Pressure Iran
According to Reuters, a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, combined with tougher sanctions, is limiting Tehran’s oil exports.
The measures are also reducing Iran’s access to foreign currency.
Iran’s economy is showing increasing signs of pressure as a result.
However, it remains uncertain whether the economic strain will push Iranian leaders back toward negotiations.
Risk of Further Escalation Remains
Vital Knowledge warned that stronger U.S. pressure could also produce the opposite result.
If Iran becomes increasingly economically isolated, Tehran could choose to escalate the conflict rather than return to negotiations.
That possibility remains a major risk for global markets.
For now, investors are closely watching the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices and any further threats involving U.S. or Iranian energy infrastructure.
