TEHRAN / GULF – The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has declared that its “self-restraint is over,” warning the United States and its allies that any crossing of red lines could trigger a response depriving the world of oil and gas for years and potentially extending beyond the region.
By Advent Shoko
The statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz nears. Trump has threatened military strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including oil fields, if the strait, a vital global energy artery, is not reopened immediately.
The IRGC’s warning highlights the growing stakes for global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz channels roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied gas, meaning any disruption could send crude prices sharply higher and unsettle economies worldwide. Analysts warn that even a brief closure could introduce months of logistical challenges and a heightened risk premium.
Iran’s leverage stems from geography and military posture, giving it strategic control over energy flows from the Gulf. The IRGC’s explicit declaration of escalation signals that Tehran is prepared to extend its response beyond regional boundaries if provoked.
For Washington, Trump’s ultimatum underscores a mix of diplomatic pressure and military threat, while raising legal questions about attacks on civilian infrastructure under international law. The approaching deadline now makes the Strait of Hormuz a critical flashpoint where geopolitics and global energy security collide.
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