Iran-US Tensions Escalate: IRGC Warns Of Energy Export Disruption Across Middle East
Iran's FM visits Qatar as Strait of Hormuz shipping remains disrupted, while Israel says it killed two Hamas Nukhba commanders.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to halt all oil and gas exports from the Middle East following the US decision to reimpose a naval blockade on Iranian ports. In a statement, the IRGC said, “The export of oil and gas from the region will be either for everyone or for no one.”
The warning comes as Iran and the United States continue exchanging retaliatory strikes and competing for control over the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. US President Donald Trump announced the renewed blockade on Monday and briefly proposed a 20% transit fee for ships passing through the strait before dropping the plan following requests from Gulf allies.
Iran FM In Doha
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Doha to offer condolences following the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
During the visit, Araghchi is also expected to hold talks with senior Qatari officials. Sheikh Hamad died on Sunday, prompting Qatar to declare four days of national mourning.
Also Read: US Launches Fresh Strikes On Iran, Targets Coastal Defence Systems
Hormuz Under Strain
Iranian state media reported that the Strait of Hormuz has become impassable for commercial shipping amid escalating regional tensions.
According to Tasnim News Agency, at least two commercial vessels were stopped after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired warning shots over the past 24 hours.
The disruption comes as US-Iran negotiations remain stalled. Tehran has effectively closed the strategic waterway since the outbreak of the conflict with the US and Israel, triggering sharp increases in global oil, fertiliser and commodity prices.
Israel kills Hamas Commanders
The Israeli military said it had killed two Hamas commanders during operations in northern Gaza on Tuesday night.
The army identified the men as Ali Shamlakh and Nasser Luah, members of Hamas's elite Nukhba force, alleging they posed an "immediate threat" to Israeli troops operating in the area.
Also Read: US Launches New Wave Of Airstrikes On Iran, Targets Military Assets
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