Iran Determined to Retaliate Against US; Strait of Hormuz and Energy Facilities Targeted

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that a harsh response would be given if the US launches new attacks on Iranian assets. Ghalibaf emphasized that the region's oil and gas production chain is "widespread, accessible, and defenseless," and that US energy companies share this risk. Iran's top security official Mohsen Rezaee announced plans for a new restricted zone and transit corridor in the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command confirmed on Saturday that it struck three Iranian oil tankers near Iran's main oil export terminal, Kharg Island. Following these developments and Iran's restriction of Strait traffic, Brent crude prices rose to their highest level since July, reaching $97.93. The number of vessels transiting the Strait over the last 10 days dropped to a daily average of 10, falling to its lowest level since May.

US sanctions and the oil blockade continue to squeeze the Iranian economy; Ghalibaf stated that alongside the military front, production and the people's livelihood are the main fields of struggle. The UAE is building alternative routes to prevent energy export routes from being affected by the war. Rising fuel prices in the US are also negatively affecting Trump's popularity ahead of the November congressional elections.