Iran to tackle economic issues, says further attacks will be 'more painful'
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf says the rules of the conflict have changed and warns that future attacks on Iran’s interests and security will bring a “faster, heavier and more painful response”.
The warning comes as military tensions between Iran and the United States rise again after a period of reduced fighting.
The conflict has continued for around six months, while diplomatic efforts to restore a ceasefire and restart peace talks have made little progress.
New restrictions planned around Strait of Hormuz
Iran is also preparing tighter controls around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, says Tehran will announce a new restricted zone in the Gulf in the coming days. The zone is expected to cover areas in the Gulf. Rezaei says ships entering the restricted area could be placed on a sanctions list.
Iran also plans to release maps showing new shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes. Disruptions there can quickly affect oil supplies and prices around the world. Recent fighting has already reduced shipping activity through the strait. Reuters reports that only four commodity vessels crossed the waterway on September 4, compared with a 10-day average of 15.
Economic pressure grows
While Iran continues to face military pressure, officials say the economic situation is becoming another major challenge.
Qalibaf says the country’s main battle is now also about production and people’s livelihoods.
He points to currency fluctuations, inflation, unemployment and problems with market management as major concerns.
He says Iranian people can tolerate difficult conditions, but they expect the government to respond quickly to economic problems.
Iran’s Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh says Tehran plans to address the situation through economic reforms.
He rejects the idea that US sanctions will force Iran to change its political decisions.
“The responsibility of reforming Iran’s economy is with its government and people, not with the U.S. Treasury,” he says.
The Economy Ministry has also created an “Economic War Headquarters” to deal with economic problems linked to the conflict, according to Iranian media cited by Reuters.
Oil exports face mounting pressure
Iran’s oil industry is facing particularly strong pressure because of the US campaign against its oil exports. Iran is a major oil producer and has traditionally relied heavily on the Kharg Island export terminal to ship crude abroad.
Also Read: Oil prices rise as US-Iran strikes deepen supply fears
Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad says Kharg Island has been hit around 550 times in previous months but remains operational. The United States has also increased efforts to stop Iranian oil shipments and enforce its blockade.
US Central Command says it has redirected 92 commercial vessels, disabled three and boarded two as part of efforts to enforce the restrictions. The latest clashes have further increased concerns about oil supplies and global energy prices.
The International Energy Agency has previously warned that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz can have a major effect on global oil markets because the route is critical to Gulf energy exports.
Military tensions return
The latest warnings follow renewed attacks involving Iranian and US forces. US Central Command says it struck three Iranian vessels after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at two US Navy ships.
One of the US strikes reportedly involved a vessel near Kharg Island. The incidents have increased fears that the conflict could widen again, particularly around commercial shipping and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has repeatedly warned that attacks on its territory, military forces, or economic interests will bring retaliation. At the same time, Washington continues to use economic and military pressure to restrict Iran’s ability to export oil and operate through international financial networks.
Oil prices and global markets feel the pressure
The growing tensions are already affecting international energy markets.
Oil prices have moved higher after the latest clashes, with investors concerned that further disruption around Hormuz could reduce global supplies. Reuters reports that Brent crude rose to around $97.60 a barrel, its highest level in seven weeks, amid concerns over the escalating conflict and rising geopolitical risks.
The Strait of Hormuz is therefore becoming an increasingly important pressure point in the conflict. Any prolonged disruption could increase transportation and energy costs for countries that depend on Gulf oil supplies.
