Iran Warns of Retaliatory Strikes on Energy Facilities if Its Infrastructure Is Attacked

According to Financial News, the Islamic Republic of Iran has warned that it could launch retaliatory attacks on energy facilities across the Middle East if its own crude oil export hub comes under threat.
On the 14th, the Iranian military stated through domestic media, cited by Yonhap News Agency, that if the United States strikes the Islamic Republic of Iran’s oil and energy infrastructure, it may target oil companies and related facilities in the Middle East that cooperate with Washington.
The remarks came shortly after U.S. President Donald John Trump announced that he had ordered strikes on military targets around Kharg Island, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s key crude oil export hub.
Trump wrote on his social media that "United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has carried out one of the most powerful airstrikes in the history of the Middle East." However, he explained, "We only targeted military assets and did not attack the oil infrastructure itself."
Kharg Island handles about 90% of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s crude oil exports and is regarded as a strategic hub that underpins the country’s economy and war financing. Analysts see the latest strikes as a strong show of military pressure aimed at deterring any attempt by the Islamic Republic of Iran to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes.
Trump added, "If the Islamic Republic of Iran or any other actor interferes with the free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider the current decision," signaling the possibility of further action.


dschoi@fnnews.com Choi Doo-seon Reporter