Iran has warned foreign countries not to join a proposed naval coalition to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, saying wider involvement could escalate the ongoing conflict into a broader war.
The warning came after US President Donald Trump called on allies and major energy importers to send warships to protect vessels in the strategic waterway.
In a phone call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged France and other nations to refrain from any action that might expand the fighting.
He cautioned that further militarisation of the Gulf could push the region toward a confrontation that would be difficult to control.
Iran has previously said it is prepared for a prolonged conflict with the United States and Israel and warned that such a war could severely damage or even “destroy” the global economy.
The country has also threatened to target oil vessels linked to its enemies, raising fears over energy supplies that pass through Hormuz.
President Trump, for his part, has insisted that the United States will ensure the free flow of energy through the Gulf.
He has urged countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to contribute ships, arguing that they depend heavily on oil that transits the strait.
Trump has also said the US Navy is prepared to escort tankers through Hormuz and promised to keep the route “open, safe and free” despite Iranian threats.
American forces have been striking Iranian drone, boat and missile launch sites on the northern shore of the strait as part of efforts to deter attacks on shipping.
However, some US officials have privately indicated that the military is not yet fully ready to sustain large scale escort operations due to commitments elsewhere in the region.
This has raised questions about how quickly a broad protection mission could be mounted and how long it could be maintained.
Energy prices have surged in recent days as traders react to the risk of disruption in one of the world’s most important oil and gas corridors.
Analysts warn that any attack on multiple tankers or a prolonged closure of the strait would likely trigger further price spikes and could tip fragile economies into deeper trouble.
Despite Trump’s call, many of the countries he mentioned have so far responded cautiously, avoiding firm public commitments to send warships.
Diplomats say governments are weighing the economic benefits of keeping Hormuz open against the political and security risks of being drawn more directly into a US Iran confrontation.
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