TEHRAN: Iran has declared that it, not the United States \u2014 will determine when the ongoing conflict comes to an end, as tensions continue to escalate in the region. According to Iranian state media, a spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that Iran could block oil exports from the region if attacks by the United States and Israel continue. The statement came after Donald Trump warned that American strikes could intensify if Iran attempted to disrupt tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that carries nearly 20 percent of the world\u2019s oil supply. Trump said the United States would respond forcefully if shipping routes were threatened. \u201cWe will hit them so hard that it will not be possible for them or anybody else helping them to ever recover that section of the world,\u201d Trump said during a news conference. Iran Issues Warning on Oil Tankers Despite the warning, Iranian officials insisted that Tehran would not allow oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz if military attacks against the country continue. \u201cWe are the ones who will determine the end of the war,\u201d an Iranian spokesperson said, according to reports. Markets React to Escalating Tensions The sharp exchange of warnings contributed to extreme volatility in global financial markets. Oil prices surged sharply while stock markets initially fell before stabilizing later in the day. Markets reacted after Trump suggested the conflict could end quickly and reports emerged about a possible easing of sanctions on Russian energy supplies. Analysts say uncertainty remains high as Iran\u2019s security establishment rallies behind the country\u2019s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, signaling that Tehran is unlikely to back down soon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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