Iran Warns US of Retaliation Over Oil Tanker Strikes

Iran has warned the United States that any further attacks on its oil tankers could trigger retaliatory strikes against American oil and gas interests across the Persian Gulf.

The warning follows US military strikes on three Iranian oil tankers on September 5, including one vessel targeted near Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export hub, according to the US Central Command.

The attacks came after Iran launched strikes against US warships operating in the region, further escalating tensions between the two countries amid the wider conflict.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf issued a direct warning to Washington in a post on X, saying: "Strike our assets and you get struck."

Qalibaf appeared to be responding to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had described Iran's oil tanker fleet as "defenseless."

The Iranian parliamentary speaker warned that American energy interests in the region could be vulnerable to retaliation.

"It's simple: The oil and gas production chain here is sprawling, accessible, and exposed," Qalibaf said.

He added that American oil and gas companies operating across the Persian Gulf, along with their facilities, shared that vulnerability.

Qalibaf is also Iran's senior negotiator in dealings with the United States, giving his remarks additional significance as tensions continue to rise.

The exchange highlights the growing risk to energy infrastructure and commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf, a strategically important region for global oil supplies.

Any further attacks involving oil tankers or energy facilities could widen the confrontation and increase concerns over disruptions to regional oil production and exports.