Tehran, Iran — Iran warned on Tuesday that any attacks by the United States on its civilian infrastructure could trigger long-term disruptions to oil and gas supplies across the region. The statement, issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and carried by IRNA, underscores the rising tensions between Tehran and Washington amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The IRGC cautioned that if what it described as “red lines” are crossed, Iran would respond by targeting not only US interests but also those of its regional allies. “We will damage the infrastructure of America and its partners, which will deprive the United States and its allies of oil and gas in the region for years,” the statement said.
The military force emphasized that Iran has so far exercised restraint, citing considerations of good neighborliness. “But all these considerations may now be canceled,” it warned, stressing that while Iran has refrained from attacking civilian targets, it would respond decisively to any attacks on its own civilian infrastructure.
The warning follows US President Donald Trump’s threats to bomb Iranian power stations and bridges if Tehran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reach an agreement by Tuesday night at 8 pm EDT (0000GMT Wednesday). The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint through which nearly 20% of global oil shipments pass, making any disruption a major concern for the international energy market.
The latest threats come amid the ongoing US-Israeli offensive against Iran, which began on February 28, resulting in the death of over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian sources. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.
Analysts warn that any escalation targeting civilian infrastructure could have far-reaching consequences beyond the region. Oil and gas supply disruptions from the Persian Gulf could raise global energy prices, exacerbate economic instability, and trigger wider geopolitical tensions.
“This is a serious warning from Iran that the stakes have shifted dramatically,” said an energy security expert in London. “Attacks on civilian infrastructure could trigger months or even years of volatility in the global oil market, affecting everything from transportation costs to energy security worldwide.”
The IRGC statement serves both as a warning and a deterrent, signaling that Iran is prepared to escalate if its critical infrastructure is targeted. While Tehran has been careful to avoid civilian strikes so far, the announcement makes clear that retaliation could extend beyond the immediate region, potentially targeting allied nations supporting US military operations.
Observers note that Iran’s warning is also intended to pressure Washington diplomatically, highlighting the potential global consequences of military action. By framing retaliation in terms of energy security, Tehran is drawing attention to the interconnectedness of Middle Eastern stability and global economic health.
The US-Iran standoff has prompted multiple international responses. China and Pakistan have sought to mediate between Tehran and Washington, urging both sides to demonstrate sincerity toward ceasefire proposals. Meanwhile, European nations have condemned threats against civilian infrastructure, emphasizing that attacks could endanger millions and escalate regional tensions further.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation remains precarious. Iran’s decision to cut diplomatic channels with the United States, combined with the IRGC’s latest warning, highlights the shrinking space for negotiation and increases the risk of miscalculation.
With tensions escalating over the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing US-Israeli strikes, Iran’s warning underscores the potential for prolonged energy disruptions and broader regional instability. The coming hours and days will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can prevent further escalation or if the conflict will extend, with serious implications for both regional security and global markets.
