Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Mar 15: Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran, has warned that any attack on the country’s oil or energy infrastructure would prompt retaliatory strikes against regional facilities connected to American companies.
In an interview with a US broadcaster, Araghchi was responding to recent American strikes on Kharg Island—a strategic oil export hub located in the Persian Gulf—as well as warnings from Donald Trump about potential future attacks if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.
“Our armed forces have clearly stated that if Iran’s oil and energy infrastructure is targeted, they will retaliate,” Araghchi said. He added that energy facilities in the region owned or partly owned by American companies could become potential targets.
The minister also alleged that the US strike carried out on Friday was launched from two locations in the United Arab Emirates—Ras Al Khaimah and an area near Dubai. He warned that launching attacks on Iran from densely populated regions could pose serious risks.
“We would certainly respond, but we try to avoid striking populated areas,” he said.
Echoing this stance, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters—the country’s main military command—said any attack on Iran’s oil, economic, or energy assets would trigger immediate retaliation against infrastructure linked to US interests across the region.
Meanwhile, Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to most international shipping, though vessels belonging to Iran’s enemies and their allies may face restrictions. Despite heightened tensions and security concerns, many oil tankers continue to transit the crucial waterway.
Officials in Bushehr Province stated that oil exports from Kharg Island have continued despite the recent strikes. While some military facilities and the island’s airport reportedly suffered damage, authorities said there were no casualties and commercial operations remain unaffected.
The escalation comes amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. In late February, joint US-Israeli strikes targeted several Iranian cities, including Tehran, killing senior military leaders and civilians. Iran subsequently launched waves of missile and drone attacks against Israeli and US bases across the Middle East.
The latest developments have raised fears of further escalation in the region and potential disruptions to global oil supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of the world’s crude shipments.