Ghalibaf Warns No Oil Sales in Region if Iran Blocked

On Friday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated a warning that if Iran is prevented from selling oil in the region, no other country will be able to do so either. His remarks came in response to claims by US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper that American forces had full control of the Strait of Hormuz and had halted Iran's oil exports.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated July 22, Ghalibaf stated, "The equation of this war is clear: either all or none! In a region where we don’t sell oil, no one else will sell oil either." He emphasized that the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which about a fifth of global oil passes, depends on the absence of US troops, which he described as "terrorist."

Ghalibaf further asserted, "If our security is not ensured, no infrastructure will be safe. Security of the strait depends on the absence of US forces. We have said many times that the situation in the strait will not return to what it was before the war."

The comments highlight the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. The US has maintained a naval presence in the region, while Iran has repeatedly threatened to disrupt shipping if its interests are threatened.

According to Mehr News Agency, Ghalibaf's message underscores Iran's stance that any attempt to block its oil exports would have severe consequences for the entire region. The report added that the security of the strait remains a contentious issue, with Iran insisting on the withdrawal of US forces as a precondition for stability.