Iranian Revolutionary Guards have threatened to extend their blockade tactics to shipping routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz, following a series of US military strikes that killed more than 30 people.
The threat marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, moving from localized disruption to a potential wider maritime embargo.
This development comes after four consecutive nights of US air strikes on Iranian targets, which Iranian authorities say have caused significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
The threat of a wider blockade directly impacts global energy supply chains, which have already been strained by existing tensions in the Hormuz corridor.
Brent crude prices, which have been volatile amid geopolitical uncertainty, face renewed upward pressure as traders assess the risk of broader supply disruptions.
The potential closure of additional sea lanes would force rerouting of tankers and cargo vessels, increasing transit times and insurance costs for shippers.