Kathmandu— Iran has warned that no oil will leave the Persian Gulf and threatened attacks on alternative export routes should neighboring countries join the United States’ escalating economic pressure campaign against Tehran. The declaration follows a call from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for allies to cease business with Iran, as Washington prepares what it calls an unprecedented level of economic isolation. Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, urged other nations not to participate in the “economic war,” stating that Tehran would consider them adversaries.

Escalating Tensions and Threats

Rezaei stated in an interview with state broadcaster IRIB that if countries surrounding Iran align with the US economic campaign, “not a single drop of oil will leave the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz,” adding that Tehran would also target other export routes. He further warned that Iran would retaliate “in a seismic manner” if President Donald Trump takes action. Trump recently announced what he termed the “most crushing economic operation against Iran,” framing it as an “Economic D-Day” and urging allies to isolate the perceived “Iran threat.”

Failed Negotiations and Regional Fallout

The threats come after a 60-day period for negotiating a peace agreement with Tehran ended on Monday without progress, leading Trump to declare negotiations over. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently suspended economic ties with Iran following the firing of ballistic missiles at its territory, an incident which Tehran denies responsibility for, claiming it was an Israeli “false-flag operation.”

Disrupted Shipping in Strait of Hormuz

Iran previously restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz – a vital waterway handling approximately 25% of global seaborne oil and LNG trade – after joint US-Israeli bombing campaigns began on February 28th. The US Navy subsequently imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in April, guiding ships along routes deemed illegal by Tehran. Recent data from the UK Maritime Trade Operations Center indicates an increase in ship traffic through the strait, rising from 40 vessels two weeks ago to nearly 200 last week, though still around 20% of pre-conflict levels.

Vessel Tracking and Attacks

Kpler data reveals that over 80% of liquid cargo ships traversing the Strait in the past two weeks have either utilized a US-backed route through Omani waters – considered illegal by Iran – or disabled their tracking systems, likely to employ the same corridor. During the last week, five vessels were reportedly struck by Iranian projectiles, resulting in two casualties and damage to all impacted ships.

The situation remains highly volatile as tensions continue to escalate between Iran and the United States, with potential for significant disruption to global oil supplies.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.