Iran's top security official says to Trump: We will not relent
TL;DR
Iran's security chief Ali Larijani defiantly responds to Trump's threats over Strait of Hormuz oil shipments, warning him to 'be careful.' The conflict has disrupted global shipping, with oil prices stabilizing above $90 and U.S. gas at $3.54, raising concerns over energy costs amid ongoing tensions.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary, Ali Larijani, has escalated tensions with the United States, responding to President Donald Trump’s warnings about blocking oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Larijani asserted that Iran “does not fear your empty threats” and warned Trump to “be careful not to get eliminated yourself” according to reports. This follows Trump’s statement on Truth Social, in which he vowed to strike Iran “TWENTY TIMES HARDER” if it disrupted oil flows through the critical energy chokepoint as reported.
The ongoing conflict has already disrupted global shipping, with only two vessels passing through the Strait in the last 24 hours—far below the typical average of 60—while 157 ships remain stranded, including 98 oil tankers according to data. West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices have stabilized just above $90 per barrel, and U.S. gas prices reached $3.54 per gallon as of March 12 according to market reports.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has declared it will not permit oil exports to “hostile side[s] and its partners” until further notice as stated. Analysts and lawmakers, including Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), have raised concerns about the affordability of energy costs as the U.S. enters peak travel seasons according to analysis. While Trump has framed the oil price surge as a “very small price to pay” for countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions, market participants remain wary of further volatility amid unresolved tensions and geopolitical risks.
