Iran recently issued a stern warning, stating that international crude oil prices could surge to $140 per barrel due to the continued US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Iran made it clear that it will not open this vital global oil shipping route until the US lifts the blockade, nor will it return to the negotiating table for any consultations with the US, demonstrating a hardline confrontational stance.



The Strait of Hormuz, the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, carries approximately 20% of the world's seaborne crude oil and is a vital gateway to the global oil industry. Its navigation status directly impacts global oil price trends. The current US blockade of the strait has become a key factor triggering turmoil in the global energy market.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf bluntly stated that the US government is listening to "terrible advice" from figures like Treasury Secretary Bessant, who are pushing for blockade policies that have caused international oil prices to climb to over $120 per barrel. He unequivocally warned that "the next target is $140," thus criticizing the destructive impact of the US blockade policy on the global energy market.

In addition to criticizing the US blockade policy, Kalibaf also posted on the social media platform X, mocking US Defense Secretary Peter Hegses and the US government's blockade plan, saying "Good luck to you in blocking a country with such a long border," implying that Iran's vast border would make the US blockade plan ineffective.

He further illustrated the length of Iran's border with an example: "Even if you build two walls, one extending from New York City to the West Coast and the other from Los Angeles to the East Coast, the total length would only be 7,755 kilometers, which is still about 1,000 kilometers shorter than the total length of Iran's border." This statement highlighted Iran's geographical advantages and expressed its disdain and confidence in the US blockade policy.

Brent crude oil prices have broken through the $110 per barrel mark this week, continuing to be affected by the ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, the global energy market is quantifying the actual losses caused by disrupted oil shipments, while concerns about escalation are growing – reports indicate that US President Donald Trump will be briefed on further military options, attempting to pressure Iran into signing an agreement, which undoubtedly exacerbates the already tense situation.

Despite a slight pullback in crude oil prices after hitting recent highs on Thursday, the overall trend for the week remains strong as of Friday. Market analysts point out that the current price correction is mainly due to profit-taking by those who bought at higher prices earlier, while the supply gap caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade remains the core factor supporting high oil prices.

Despite the ongoing US blockade, Iran has maintained a firm stance and refused to compromise. On Thursday, Iran's newly elected Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, conveyed Iran's position in a written message. The new leader, elected in early March following the assassination of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has not had any video or audio recordings released since taking office. The message, read by an Iranian television presenter, featured Khamenei's strong statement that the US's only future in the Persian Gulf "is to sink to the bottom of the sea," fully demonstrating Iran's determination to resist the US blockade.