Iran's top joint military command has issued a stark warning to leaders of regional countries, declaring that any cooperation with the United States will be considered an act of war against Iran. Adding to the escalating rhetoric, Iran's Revolutionary Guards spokesperson stated that US interference in the Strait of Hormuz has seriously jeopardized the security of global oil and gas supplies. The command further cautioned that if the conflict widens, it will reach all countries in the region, placing full responsibility on the US and its allies. The deepening volatility continues to threaten one of the world's most critical corridors for global energy trade.

Hormuz Shipping Disrupted

US Central Command reported it struck approximately 90 Iranian military targets on Wednesday after Tehran attacked three commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes targeted air-defense systems, coastal surveillance assets, and missile and drone storage sites along Iran's coastline. Since early May, US forces have facilitated the transit of more than 800 commercial vessels, with about 380 million barrels of crude oil passing through the corridor. However, the resurgence in military activity has slowed shipping significantly. According to maritime intelligence platform Windward, just six vessels crossed from Friday night to Saturday morning, marking the third consecutive overnight drop from a normalized range of 18–22 vessels.

Diplomatic and Legal Standoffs

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Muscat for talks with Omani officials, with Qatari officials also participating, to discuss mechanisms for safe passage through the Strait. Iran insists it holds the legal right to regulate passage alongside Oman. The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) rejected Iranian claims of sovereignty over the Strait, "strongly condemning" Iran's decision to establish an entity to control traffic and urging its 176 member states not to recognize the claim. The US has demanded Iran publicly declare all channels of Hormuz open and pledge not to attack civilian vessels.

Market and Economic Risks

The breakdown of the truce poses significant risks to global energy markets. The Revolutionary Guards' warning over jeopardized oil and gas supplies has further heightened concerns among market participants. The following table summarizes key market and economic indicators:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that the war's impact on inflation could persist until 2027, with a "severe scenario" involving energy shocks potentially pushing global growth down to just 2% in both 2026 and 2027.

The geopolitical dispute over the Strait of Hormuz has intensified further after a spokesperson for Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated that U.S. interference in the strategic waterway has seriously jeopardized the security of global oil and gas supplies. The spokesperson reaffirmed that Iran continues to assert its authority and control over the Strait, countering recent U.S. assertions that the corridor remains open and free from Iranian regulation. The escalating rhetoric highlights the persistent risks to energy supply chains through the vital chokepoint, which handles a significant portion of the world's oil transit.

Iran's Assertion of Control

In a sharp rebuke to U.S. military presence in the region, the Revolutionary Guards spokesperson emphasized that Iran maintains its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. The statement directly challenges the narrative pushed by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which recently rejected claims that transit is permitted only via routes designated by Iran. By linking U.S. actions to the security of global energy supplies, Iran is framing its military posture as a defensive measure necessary for regional stability, while simultaneously warning of the consequences of foreign intervention.

CENTCOM's Rejection of Iranian Claims

The latest Iranian declaration follows a post on X by CENTCOM, which explicitly stated that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces have facilitated the transit of more than 800 commercial vessels and 380 million barrels of crude oil through the waterway since early May. The command's data serves to reassure international markets of the corridor's accessibility despite the tensions.

Market Impact and Oil Prices

The instability surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continues to influence global oil prices, as traders weigh the risk of potential supply disruptions against the reported flow of shipping. Recent market data shows West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil at $72.26/barrel and Brent crude at $76.50/bbl. The United States Oil Fund (USO) was observed trading at $109.01 during after-hours sessions, reflecting the market's sensitivity to the military and diplomatic posturing in the region.