Speculation suggests Tehran could target alternative oil export routes in response to Washington’s threatened economic pressure, but no official confirmation has emerged

Unconfirmed reports have triggered speculation that Iran may be considering military action against energy infrastructure across Gulf states as tensions with the United States intensify.

Geopolitics Watch, citing an unnamed senior Iranian official, reported that Tehran was examining options to respond to US President Donald Trump’s threatened “Economic D-Day” campaign against Iran. However, neither Iranian authorities nor independent sources have confirmed the claim.

According to the report, the alleged strategy would seek to inflict economic and political pressure on Washington by driving global energy prices sharply higher ahead of the US November midterm elections.

Energy Export Routes Reportedly Among Potential Targets

The unnamed official reportedly suggested that Iran could attempt to disrupt infrastructure allowing Gulf producers to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Such infrastructure includes Saudi Arabia’s oil export facilities toward Yanbu on the Red Sea and the United Arab Emirates’ Fujairah facilities outside the Strait of Hormuz.

Consequently, serious disruption to these routes could reduce alternative export capacity during any prolonged closure or restriction of Hormuz, potentially increasing pressure on international oil and gas markets.

However, the report provided no evidence that Tehran has approved military operations or begun preparations for such strikes.

Any Attack Could Trigger Wider Regional Conflict

The speculation comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed US threats of severe economic pressure against Iran.

Moreover, any Iranian attack on Saudi or Emirati infrastructure could dramatically widen the conflict by directly drawing Gulf states into military confrontation.

Saudi Arabia’s recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement could further complicate the potential consequences of any attack on the kingdom.

For now, the reported Iranian deliberations remain unverified and depend primarily on comments attributed to an unidentified official.

Therefore, claims of imminent strikes should be treated cautiously unless Iranian authorities, Gulf governments or independently verifiable sources provide supporting evidence.