Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on 12/3 that any attack on the country's energy infrastructure or ports would trigger a "powerful and devastating response". The IRGC warned that all oil and gas infrastructure benefiting the US and its allies in the Middle East "will be burned and destroyed" if Iran's facilities are targeted. This declaration comes amidst escalating tensions, with Iran retaliating against a US-Israel campaign launched on 28/2, targeting international cargo ships and critical infrastructure in Gulf nations.
Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, reinforced this stance the same day, writing on his personal page, "Starting a war is easy, but you cannot win it with just a few social media posts. We will not back down until we make you regret this grave mistake."
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Smoke rises from a fuel storage area in Muharraq, Bahrain, following an attack on 12/3. *Photo: AFP* |
The Bahraini Interior Ministry reported on 12/3 that an oil facility in its northern Muharraq province was hit by a barrage of missiles launched from Iran, labeling it a "blatant act of aggression". Iran's actions include continuously targeting international cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz with missiles and drones. Israeli territory and military bases housing US forces in the region are also among Iran's stated targets.
Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, earlier issued his first message after taking office, asserting that Tehran will continue to blockade the Strait of Hormuz to pressure Washington. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical choke point in global energy flows, with approximately 20% of crude oil and liquefied natural gas transported through it.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, in an interview with AFP news agency, clarified that Iran's actions are solely in "self-defense" and aim to prevent further provocation. He confirmed that friendly nations have approached Tehran to mediate the conflict, though he did not name them. "We told them the same thing: Iran wants a ceasefire to be part of an overall formula to end the war," Deputy Minister Takht-Ravanchi said.
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Targets attacked in the Middle East. Click on the image for details. |
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to the largest supply disruption in the oil industry's history. Despite these concerns, US President Donald Trump stated that defeating Iran is more important than crude oil prices.
Pham Giang (According to AFP, CNN, IRIB)
