|By Adejumo Adekunle
Iran on Saturday announced that it would exempt “brotherly Iraq” from restrictions tied to passage through the Strait of Hormuz, even as tensions escalate across the Gulf region.
In a statement, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces clarified that the restrictions apply only to what it described as “hostile countries.”
The development comes amid a growing blockade threat around the strategic waterway, a key global oil transit route. The situation has triggered a surge in crude oil prices, with 15 to 20 million barrels of daily supply at risk.
As of April 5, WTI Crude climbed to $111 per barrel, while Brent Crude traded above $109. Analysts warn prices could spike to between $150 and $200 per barrel by mid-to-late April if tensions persist.
The United States has deployed additional troops and military assets to the region ahead of a possible operation targeting strategic locations including Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz.
Any ground offensive, analysts say, would likely depend on support from key U.S. allies such as Israel and Gulf states, as several European countries remain hesitant to join military action.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump signaled the possibility of escalation, warning Iran of a narrowing window for negotiations.
“Time is running out – 48 hours before all hell will reign down on them,” Trump wrote, adding in a separate post that several Iranian military leaders had been eliminated in a recent strike in Tehran.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, rejected reports suggesting Tehran was dismissing peace efforts by Pakistan.
In a post on X, Araghchi said Iran’s priority remains securing “the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war imposed on us.”
He also accused the U.S. and Israel of repeatedly targeting the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, warning that any radioactive fallout would impact Gulf Cooperation Council capitals rather than Tehran.
Reacting to the latest strikes, Russia condemned the attacks, accusing Iran’s adversaries of recklessly targeting nuclear infrastructure. The Russian Foreign Ministry called for an impartial review of the situation at the upcoming Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) conference scheduled to begin April 27 at the United Nations.
