Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): A fresh war of words has erupted between Iran and the United States, with Tehran dismissing Washington’s blockade strategy and linking it to a sharp rise in global crude prices.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf took a swipe at recent statements made by Donald Trump, who had earlier suggested that Iran’s oil infrastructure would face severe consequences under sustained economic restrictions. Iranian officials say those predictions have not materialised, instead pointing to the country’s continued output despite mounting pressure.
At the centre of the dispute is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route where tensions have disrupted oil flows. Tehran argues that the US naval presence and restrictions on its exports have reduced supply in international markets, pushing prices beyond $120 per barrel and potentially even higher.
Ghalibaf also questioned the effectiveness of the US economic strategy, suggesting that policymakers—including Scott Bessent—had underestimated Iran’s ability to withstand sanctions. He claimed that instead of forcing compliance, the measures have triggered instability in energy markets and increased costs for consumers worldwide.
Washington, meanwhile, maintains that limiting Iran’s oil trade is a necessary step to address broader geopolitical concerns, including regional security and nuclear ambitions. Officials have indicated that the restrictions will remain in place until there is meaningful progress on these issues.
With both sides holding firm, the standoff continues to weigh heavily on global markets. Experts warn that any prolonged disruption in Gulf oil supplies could deepen economic uncertainty, adding pressure to already volatile energy prices and complicating recovery efforts in many countries.
