Iran warns that U.S. military action may lead to targeting of commercial vessels, raising maritime security concerns in the region.
TEHRAN – Iran has issued a warning that in the event of a possible military attack by the U.S., commercial shipping and maritime infrastructure could become legitimate targets. This statement comes amid rising tensions in the region and internal unrest in Iran.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf addressed the parliament on Sunday, using strong language directed at U.S. President Donald Trump. Ghalibaf emphasized that if the U.S. were to initiate military intervention, Iran would not limit itself to merely responding to the attack.
In his speech, Ghalibaf stated, 'We do not restrict ourselves to responding only after an action. In the case of a U.S. military attack, both occupied territories and U.S. military and transport centers will be legitimate targets for us.'
The Iranian Parliament Speaker indicated that in a potential conflict scenario, Israel, U.S. military assets, and 'transport centers' would be targeted. These statements have been interpreted as posing serious risks, particularly concerning commercial maritime transport and port infrastructures.
Ghalibaf's remarks were made amid increasing social unrest in Iran in recent months. Protests that began in Tehran's Grand Bazaar in late December have spread to other cities, fueled by a sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial and economic hardships.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a statement over the weekend, expressed that the Iranian people are looking for 'freedom' and indicated that Washington is ready to provide support.
Experts remind that Iran has previously targeted commercial vessels, interfered with AIS systems, and engaged in actions such as seizing ships and crews, asserting that such threats should be taken seriously in maritime trade.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a statement, rejected claims that the unrest in Tehran was fueled by Israel and the U.S., calling such accusations 'far from reality.' Araghchi stated that those who enable arson will eventually face the consequences.
Lars Jensen, President of the container shipping consultancy Vespucci Maritime, commented on LinkedIn that a potential regime change in Iran could end support for the Houthis in Yemen. According to Jensen, this could accelerate the normalization of transport through the Suez Canal.
Jensen also noted that in the event of regime change, sanctions imposed on Iran could be lifted, allowing global container shipping companies direct access to the 90 million-strong Iranian market.
The U.S. starting the year by removing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, along with protests in Iran and geopolitical uncertainties, are developments that could also impact the 'secret tanker fleet,' a network of sanctioned transport.
Greek-based ship agency Ursa Shipbrokers expressed concerns regarding 2026 in a note sent to clients. The note stated, '2026 appears to be the year of hard and difficult comparisons. The outcomes are uncertain, but the rapid normalization of these new comparisons is concerning.'
Source: www.denizhaber.com
