“No One Will Sell Oil”: Iran Speaker Warns US Over Strait of Hormuz
Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf warns the US that regional oil flow depends on Iran's security, citing the Strait of Hormuz and historical sieges.
In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has issued a stern warning to the United States and other international powers regarding the stability of the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking during a public video conference on Tuesday, Ghalibaf asserted that regional energy security is inextricably linked to Iran's own safety, stating that if Iran's security is compromised, no infrastructure in the region will remain safe.
The Speaker's comments come in direct response to recent statements made by US President Donald Trump concerning the Strait of Hormuz and the movement of maritime vessels through these vital waters. Ghalibaf dismissed the US President's remarks as "delusional" and a mere repetition of old, hollow claims.
The Link Between Security and Oil
Ghalibaf drew a direct line between the protection of Iranian interests and the global oil market. He issued a blunt ultimatum to the West, emphasizing that the flow of energy depends on the stability of the region.
"Both Americans and other countries should know: As we said before, in a region where we do not sell oil, no one will sell oil, and if our security is not ensured, no infrastructure will be safe," Ghalibaf warned.
The Speaker made it clear that Iran would not stand by while its national security is undermined, suggesting that any attempt to compromise the country could have catastrophic consequences for the global energy supply.
Lessons from the Siege of Abadan
To underscore his point, Ghalibaf invoked historical military triumphs to demonstrate Iran's resilience. He referred to the anniversary of the breaking of the siege of Abadan, a pivotal moment in Iranian history, to highlight the importance of strategic planning and resistance against foreign aggression.
He recounted the harrowing details of the Baathist enemy's attempt to crush the city, noting how:
- Roads to Ahvaz and Mahshahr were severed.
- The Abadan refinery, a vital energy hub in West Asia, faced direct artillery destruction.
- Oil pipelines were cut and essential water and electricity networks were nearly destroyed.
- The enemy attempted to force a surrender through famine and extreme shortages.
Ghalibaf noted that despite these efforts, the siege was broken within 48 hours due to the bravery of fighters and the steadfastness of the local population.
A Warning to the Younger Generation
Drawing a parallel between the 1980s and the modern era, Ghalibaf addressed the younger generation of Iranians, promising that current US efforts to impose naval blockades or close air corridors would meet the same failure as previous attempts. He insisted that Iran would counter "maximum pressure" with meticulous economic management and decisive military responses.
The Speaker concluded by stating that the era of American intimidation is over. He warned that the White House must realize that Iran will not be moved by rhetoric, demarches, or commercial blockades, suggesting that the US remains stuck in a cycle of misunderstanding the "civilized and history-making" nature of the Iranian nation.