Iran threatens to halt Gulf oil flow if US strikes

Iran has threatened to halt all oil flows through the Gulf and target critical energy infrastructure across the region if the United States follows through on its latest threats to strike Iranian civilian facilities. The escalating exchange of warnings on July 22, 2026, has intensified fears of a prolonged disruption to global energy supplies, with oil prices already climbing to a near six-week high.

The Iranian warnings came directly after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that any future Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz would prompt the U.S. to bomb and destroy one bridge or power plant in Iran, including facilities near or in the capital, Tehran. He also repeated threats to strike a nuclear complex Iran denies exists.

In response, Iran's top joint military command said any U.S. action would lead Tehran to stop all Gulf oil flow and target regional oil, gas, electricity, and economic infrastructure. Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a stark warning on social media, declaring "either all or none." He stated, "In a region where we do not sell oil, no one will sell oil. If our security is not ensured, no infrastructure will...