Iran's armed forces have issued a stark warning that any unauthorized US military interference in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with a swift and decisive response.
The declaration, reported by state-affiliated outlets Press TV and TASS, underscores Tehran's refusal to accept external control over the narrow waterway, which handles roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply.
While no immediate disruption to tanker traffic has been reported, the risk premium embedded in energy and shipping assets is likely to persist.
The threat comes amid heightened geopolitical friction, with Iran's military leadership vowing a "crushing" reaction to recent US military strikes in the region.
This hardening of rhetoric directly challenges Washington's growing assertiveness in the Gulf, including recent proposals by US officials to impose fees on cargo transiting the strait under the guise of security guardianship.
For markets, the escalation introduces renewed uncertainty around one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints.
While no immediate disruption to tanker traffic has been reported, the risk premium embedded in energy and shipping assets is likely to persist.