US-Iran Update – Iran Issues Stark Warning on Oil Trade Amid Rising Tensions

New Delhi: The war between the US, Israel, and Iran shows no signs of abating, with both sides exchanging threats. Iran, too, is unwilling to back down in response to US attacks. Amidst the tensions, Iran has made a significant announcement, stating that it will not allow even a litre of oil to be exported.

Iran has also imposed new conditions for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports in Israeli media, Vineet, Iran’s military, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has stated that ships from certain countries may be allowed to pass through this route.

For this to happen, those countries will first need to expel the ambassadors of Israel and the US. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial sea route in the world. Every year, approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through it.

What is this major claim by the US?

Amidst the war, the US has made a significant claim against Iran. American channel CNN reported that Iran is planning to impose a security tax on oil tankers and merchant ships transiting this route, especially those belonging to US allies.

Is Russia the biggest beneficiary of the Iran war?

European Council chief Antonio Costa has made a startling claim. Russia has so far benefited the most from the ongoing war between the US, Israel, and Iran. Addressing EU ambassadors in Brussels, Costa said that rising energy prices are providing Russia with increased income, which could help finance its war against Ukraine.

He also noted that the escalating conflict is diverting many military resources that could have been used to aid Ukraine. According to Costa, this war has also shifted global attention from Ukraine to Iran.

Trump Issues Stern Threat

US President Donald Trump has surprised Iran with a major warning. He warned that if Iran attempts to block the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, the US will attack Iran with 20 times greater force than it has ever used before. Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, that if Iran takes any steps to stop the flow of oil, the US will target easily destroyed targets.