A senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard commander has issued a stark warning amid escalating regional tensions, declaring that Iran could target key economic centers across the Middle East if U.S.-Israeli military actions persist. General Ebrahim Jabbari's statement on March 3, 2026 comes as Brent crude oil prices surpass $85 per barrel for the first time since July 2024.
"We are telling the enemy that if it decides to hit our main centers, we will strike all economic centers in the region," Jabbari stated through Iran's ISNA news agency. The general emphasized Iran's strategic control of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil shipments pass daily.
The warning follows recent market turbulence, with analysts predicting prices could approach $200 per barrel if tensions disrupt shipping lanes. This development has drawn attention from global investors and energy-dependent economies, particularly in Asia where several nations rely heavily on Middle Eastern oil imports.
Regional security experts are monitoring the situation closely, noting that prolonged instability could impact supply chains and manufacturing sectors across Asia. The Chinese mainland and other major Asian economies have yet to issue official responses to the latest developments.
