Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued one of its most serious economic threats since the war began, warning that Tehran will not allow a single litre of oil to be exported from the region if United States and Israeli strikes against Iran continue.
The warning was delivered by IRGC spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini, who also declared that it is Iran — not the United States — that will determine when the war ends. The statement has sent fresh shockwaves through global energy markets already struggling with disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict.
The development was reported by AFP, Al Jazeera, and Times of Israel, all citing statements from Iranian state media and the IRGC spokesperson.
IRGC Draws a New Battle Line
Speaking on Tuesday, IRGC spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini made clear that Iranian forces would move to block oil exports from the entire region if military operations by the US and Israel do not stop.
He declared that Iranian armed forces would not allow the export of a single litre of oil from the region to what he described as the hostile side and its partners until further notice.
The spokesman also directly challenged US President Donald Trump's suggestion that the conflict could end soon, insisting that Tehran alone holds that decision. He stated that it is Iran that will determine the end of the war, and that American forces will not be the ones to conclude military operations.
The statement signals that Iran is preparing to use its most powerful economic weapon — control over regional oil supply — as a bargaining chip in the ongoing conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz — The World's Most Important Oil Route
At the centre of Iran's threat is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critically important waterway through which roughly 20 percent of the world's crude oil passes every day.
Major oil exporters including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar all rely on the strait to move their energy products to international markets. If Iran were to fully block the waterway, the consequences for global oil prices and energy supply would be severe.
Since the war began on February 28, 2026, shipping through the strait has already been heavily disrupted. Reports indicate that at least 150 oil tankers have dropped anchor in open Gulf waters rather than risk passing through the contested route.
Oil prices surged to over 100 US dollars per barrel earlier this week — their highest level since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 — before easing slightly after Trump suggested the war could end soon.
Trump Fires Back With Strong Warning
US President Donald Trump responded firmly to Iran's oil threat, warning that Washington would retaliate with overwhelming force if Tehran attempts to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump, speaking at a Republican conference on Monday, said the war could be over very soon but left open the possibility of escalation if Iran interferes with global energy supplies.
The White House confirmed that Trump's primary condition for ending military operations is that Iran must commit to never developing a nuclear weapon. Iran's newly selected supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei — who replaced his father Ali Khamenei killed in the February 28 strikes — is considered even less compromising than his predecessor, raising doubts about a quick diplomatic resolution.
IRGC Offers Countries a Way Out
In a move that drew significant attention, the Revolutionary Guards announced that any Arab or European country that expels American and Israeli ambassadors from its territory would be granted complete freedom to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The offer is seen as an attempt by Iran to diplomatically isolate the United States and Israel while rewarding countries that distance themselves from the conflict.
So far, no country has publicly taken up the offer, though the statement has added pressure on several Gulf states already caught in a difficult position between their relationships with Washington and their proximity to Iran.
What This Mean for Nigeria and Africa
For Nigeria and other African countries that depend on oil imports or whose economies are connected to global energy prices, this development carries serious implications.
If the Strait of Hormuz is blocked even partially, global oil supply could drop sharply, pushing crude prices even higher. For Nigeria, which already struggles with fuel prices following the removal of subsidies, higher global crude prices could translate into further increases at filling stations.
Other African nations that import refined petroleum products could face supply shortages and price shocks if the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt global energy markets.
WetIn the IRGC Warning Mean for the World
When IRGC talk say dem no go allow even one litre of oil to pass from the region, na serious economic threat be that. The Strait of Hormuz na the main road wey oil from Middle East take reach the rest of the world.
If truly Iran block that route, oil price for the whole world go jump well. Countries wey dey buy oil go pay more, and that one go affect petrol price for many places including Nigeria.
The message wey IRGC send clear: as long as US and Israel dey bomb Iran, no oil go leave the region go their allies side.
But Trump also warn say if Iran touch the Strait of Hormuz, America go hit them harder than before. So both sides dey draw serious battle lines now.
How Ordinary Nigerians Fit Feel Am
For many Nigerians, this kind news no dey far from their daily life. Fuel price don already be serious matter for Nigeria since subsidy removal.
If this war continue and global oil supply reduce because of the Strait of Hormuz blockade, crude oil price fit climb well above 100 dollars per barrel again.
That kind increase fit push petrol and diesel price higher for Nigeria, which go affect transport fare, food price, and the cost of running generator.
Many economic analysts dey watch the situation closely, hoping say the two sides go find a way to resolve the matter before it affect more countries around the world.
Looking Ahead
The IRGC's oil threat represents a significant escalation in the economic dimension of the conflict. While military strikes have dominated headlines since February 28, the threat to global energy supply now adds a new layer of pressure on all parties involved.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly offering ideas for a quick political settlement after conversations with Gulf leaders and Iranian officials.
For now, however, the situation remains highly volatile. With Iran threatening to shut down one of the world's most critical oil routes and the United States warning of severe consequences if it does, the coming days could be decisive for both the conflict and global energy markets.
Source: This report is based on statements published by AFP, Al Jazeera, and Times of Israel, citing IRGC spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini and statements from Iranian state media.