Tehran has issued a stark warning to Washington: any US warship attempting to alter the approved shipping corridors in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with force. Mohsen Rezaei, a senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader, made the threat on Monday in an interview with Iranian state media, saying, "We won't allow the second corridor to open. Even if they deploy warships, we will target them."
Rezaei also cautioned that US ships and bases would face "serious dangers" if Washington maintains a naval blockade on Iran. "We will not sit and watch the US continue the naval blockade," he added, underscoring the heightened risk of direct military confrontation in one of the world's most vital energy chokepoints.
Diplomatic signals and denials
The warning comes amid mixed signals from Washington and Tehran. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he expected negotiations with Iran to begin within a day or two, describing the talks as Tehran's "last chance" to reach a deal before devastating strikes. However, Iran's foreign ministry immediately denied that any new negotiations were planned, insisting that the Islamic Republic is only coordinating with Oman on a temporary shipping arrangement through the strait.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei reiterated that the waterway, through which roughly a fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas flowed before the conflict, "will remain closed until US violations end." The closure has already had ripple effects on global energy markets, with oil majors posting record profits as fuel prices surge.
Incident at sea
Meanwhile, a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman was struck by an "unknown projectile" on Tuesday, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The agency did not disclose the vessel's name or provide details on damage or injuries, but said the incident occurred 37 kilometres northeast of Al Khasab, Oman, and that an investigation has been launched.
This attack follows a series of incidents in the region, including two tankers reporting attacks near the strait as tensions escalated. The UKMTO's report adds to concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in these waters, which are critical for European energy supplies and global trade.
European stakes
For Europe, the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz carries significant economic and security implications. Many EU member states, including France, Germany, and Italy, rely on Gulf oil and gas imports, and any prolonged disruption could exacerbate energy price inflation across the continent. The European Union has repeatedly called for de-escalation and has sought to maintain diplomatic channels with both Tehran and Washington.
The situation also affects European shipping companies and insurers, who face rising premiums and rerouting costs. As the standoff continues, European leaders are watching closely, aware that a military confrontation could have far-reaching consequences for global stability and the continent's energy security.
Rezaei's threats, coupled with the latest maritime incident, suggest that the risk of miscalculation remains high. While Trump's ultimatum and Iran's denial of talks create a confusing picture, the reality on the water is that tensions are not abating. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy can prevail or whether the strait becomes a flashpoint for a wider conflict.
