International
Iran Warns Oil Could Hit $200, Threatens Strait of Hormuz Blockade
Iran Warns Oil Could Hit $200, Threatens Strait of Hormuz Blockade
Iran has warned that it will not allow “a single litre of oil” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of the United States, Israel and their allies, raising fears of a major disruption to global energy supplies and a potential surge in global oil prices to $200 per barrel.
The warning was issued by Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al‑Anbiya Central Headquarters, who said Tehran could target any vessels carrying oil destined for countries it considers hostile if tensions in the region continue to escalate.
“Let us firmly reiterate that we will never allow even a single litre of oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of the US, the Zionists and their partners,” Zolfaqari said.
“Any vessel or oil shipment intended for America, the Zionist regime or their hostile allies will be a legitimate target for us.”
The comments come amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States following warnings from Donald Trump, the President of the United States, who threatened that Iran would face “death, fire and fury” if it attempted to disrupt international shipping through the critical maritime corridor.
Zolfaqari warned that the expansion of the conflict could send crude oil prices soaring, noting that instability in the region directly affects global energy markets.
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“With the expansion of war in the region, you should prepare for $200 per barrel because the price of oil depends on security in the region, and you are the source of insecurity,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and serves as one of the most strategic chokepoints in global energy trade.
An estimated 20 percent of the world’s oil supply—around 18 to 20 million barrels per day—passes through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a major concern for global markets.
A blockade or prolonged disruption could significantly impact exports from major Gulf producers including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Energy markets have already reacted to the rising tensions, with Brent crude oil prices briefly crossing $100 per barrel, the highest level in several months, as traders respond to fears of supply disruptions.
Maritime security agencies have also reported increased attacks on commercial vessels transiting the region, raising concerns over the safety of shipping routes in the Gulf.
Amid the growing crisis, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced that its 32 member countries will release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves in an effort to stabilise markets and prevent severe supply shortages.
According to Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, the coordinated action represents the largest emergency oil release in the organisation’s history.
The move surpasses the 182 million barrels released in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the scale of concern over the current Middle East crisis.
Energy analysts warn that while emergency reserves could temporarily ease pressure on markets, the most important factor for stabilising prices remains the restoration of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, concerns are growing in Nigeria over the potential impact of the crisis on domestic fuel prices.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to introduce a temporary cap on petrol prices to protect Nigerians from rising fuel costs driven by global oil market volatility.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party warned that the Middle East crisis could worsen Nigeria’s already severe cost-of-living crisis.
“ADC calls on the Federal Government to immediately introduce a temporary and time-bound cap on petrol prices to prevent further increases that continue to push the cost of living beyond the reach of millions of Nigerians,” Abdullahi said.
The party also criticised the government’s plan to distribute 100,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion kits, arguing that the figure represents less than one percent of Nigeria’s more than 11 million vehicles.
According to the party, the programme is further constrained by the limited number of CNG refuelling stations across the country, making the transition away from petrol difficult for many motorists.
ADC warned that while global oil market volatility may be triggered by external shocks, it should not be used to justify unchecked fuel price increases in Nigeria’s already fragile economy.
Analysts say any prolonged disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger one of the biggest energy shocks in decades, with global consequences including higher fuel prices, rising inflation and increased transport costs.
Iran Warns Oil Could Hit $200, Threatens Strait of Hormuz Blockade
International
Trump Says White House Shooting Will Not Change Iran War Stance
Trump Says White House Shooting Will Not Change Iran War Stance
Donald Trump has said that a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner will not deter him from his position on the ongoing conflict involving Iran, even as authorities continue investigating the motive behind the attack.
Speaking to reporters at the White House after the incident, Trump said: “It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran,” while noting that investigators had not yet established whether the attack was connected to the conflict.
He added that, based on initial information, he did not believe the shooting was related to Iran, though he acknowledged that “you never know” and described the suspect as a “lone wolf” pending further investigation.
The comments came hours after a major security scare at the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C., where an armed suspect breached outer security areas during the high-profile dinner attended by top U.S. officials and journalists.
According to law enforcement, the suspect — identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California — allegedly opened fire outside the ballroom area before being intercepted by Secret Service agents.
Officials confirmed that a law enforcement officer was struck but survived after being protected by a bullet-resistant vest.
Trump said the suspect was carrying multiple weapons and was stopped before reaching the main ballroom where he was seated during the event. He praised the Secret Service for their swift response, adding that the attacker never came close to breaching the inner venue area.
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The president also struck a somber tone, saying the incident highlights the risks of public office. “Being president is a dangerous profession,” he said, adding that attempted violence is “part of the job” for someone in his position.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that the suspect is facing initial federal charges related to firearm use and assaulting an officer, with additional charges expected as investigations continue. She also said the suspect is expected to be arraigned in federal court on Monday.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes inside the ballroom as guests ducked under tables and security agents rushed to evacuate officials. The event was ultimately cancelled for the night.
Among those evacuated were Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, all of whom were confirmed safe.
Trump later suggested that the world remains “violent” and reiterated that individuals in powerful positions are often targeted. He also said more details about the suspect’s motive would be released as the investigation develops.
Authorities are continuing to examine how the suspect managed to approach a heavily secured national event, with security agencies launching a full review of protocols at the Washington Hilton venue.
The annual dinner — typically a gathering of journalists, celebrities, and political leaders — was abruptly suspended as security forces secured the area and evacuated attendees. It is expected to be rescheduled.
Trump Says White House Shooting Will Not Change Iran War Stance
International
Trump Reveals CCTV of Suspect After Shooting Scare in Washington
Trump Reveals CCTV of Suspect After Shooting Scare in Washington
U.S. President Donald Trump has released CCTV footage and photographs of the suspect involved in the shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an incident that triggered panic at one of the most high-profile political gatherings in Washington, D.C.
The footage, shared shortly before the president addressed the media, appears to show the suspect — identified by law enforcement officials as Cole Tomas Allen — rushing through a secured section of the Washington Hilton hotel where the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was taking place.
In the video, the man is seen moving quickly toward the ballroom entrance, appearing to bypass metal detectors and other security layers as armed Secret Service agents close in to intercept him. The breach has raised fresh concerns about security at high-profile U.S. events.
Trump also released still images showing a shirtless man lying face down in a foyer area with his hands restrained behind his back, believed to be the suspect moments after he was apprehended.
Describing the incident, the president labeled the suspect a “would-be assassin,” claiming he was heavily armed and had forced his way past a key security checkpoint. However, authorities have not officially confirmed the attack as an assassination attempt, with investigations ongoing into the suspect’s motive.
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According to officials, the suspect reportedly discharged a weapon during the incident, leading to a confrontation with security personnel. A law enforcement officer was struck by gunfire but survived due to a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover.
The incident caused widespread panic inside the venue, with guests — including top government officials, journalists, and dignitaries — diving under tables or fleeing as what sounded like gunshots rang out.
Among those evacuated were Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, all of whom were confirmed safe.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said there was no indication of additional suspects and reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat. Authorities believe the suspect may have acted alone.
Security agencies have since launched a full investigation into the Washington Hilton security breach, focusing on how the suspect managed to penetrate multiple layers of protection at such a heavily secured event.
The annual dinner was abruptly disrupted as officials prioritized safety, with the incident underscoring growing concerns around U.S. political event security amid heightened global tensions.
Trump Reveals CCTV of Suspect After Shooting Scare in Washington
International
Trump Evacuated Safely as Gunman Targets White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Trump Evacuated Safely as Gunman Targets White House Correspondents’ Dinner
A dramatic security breach triggered widespread panic on Saturday night after an armed man stormed the lobby outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., where Donald Trump and several senior U.S. officials were उपस्थित.
The suspect, identified by law enforcement sources as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, reportedly approached the Washington Hilton armed with guns and knives before rushing toward the ballroom entrance.
According to officials, the situation escalated when the attacker attempted to breach a security checkpoint, prompting a swift response from Secret Service agents. Reports indicate that the suspect opened fire near the venue, causing chaos among attendees gathered inside the ballroom.
Guests at the high-profile event — which hosts leading journalists, politicians, and dignitaries — described hearing gunshots and immediately diving under tables or fleeing for safety. The incident unfolded rapidly, with security personnel moving in to neutralize the threat before the suspect could access the main hall.
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A law enforcement officer was struck during the confrontation but was protected by a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover, authorities confirmed.
The Secret Service quickly evacuated President Trump alongside Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. All were confirmed safe and unharmed.
Speaking shortly after the incident at the White House, Trump described the attacker as a “sick person,” adding that early intelligence suggested the suspect acted alone. “When you’re impactful, they go after you,” he said.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat, stating that authorities had “no reason” to believe others were involved.
Security agencies have since launched a full investigation into the security breach at White House Correspondents’ Dinner, focusing on how the suspect managed to get close to one of the most heavily guarded political events in the United States.
The annual dinner — a major fixture in the U.S. political calendar — was abruptly halted following the incident, as officials prioritized the safety of attendees amid heightened U.S. security concerns.
The development comes at a sensitive moment for the Trump administration, with several top officials present at the event amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and global security challenges.
Trump Evacuated Safely as Gunman Targets White House Correspondents’ Dinner
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