'The Trump Card is Yet to be Played': Ghalibaf Issues Stern Warning to US
In a strategic post on X (formerly Twitter), Ghalibaf hinted at a specific "formula," suggesting that Tehran still holds powerful cards in the global energy market that have not yet been deployed. "They boast about cards; let’s see then: Supply Card = Demand Card," he wrote, signaling a potential shift in Iran's economic warfare strategy.
Ghalibaf’s theory highlights a comparative analysis of the strengths of both nations. He identified three pillars of Iranian strength: the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and critical oil pipelines. According to the Speaker, the Strait of Hormuz—which controls 20% of the world's energy supply—has only been "partially" utilized as leverage so far. However, he emphasized that the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and strategic oil pipelines have "not yet been used" by Iran as weapons of war. Conversely, he claimed that Washington has already exhausted its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and that U.S. efforts to reduce demand have largely proven ineffective.
In his formula, Ghalibaf directly addressed American citizens by referencing the upcoming "summer vacation." He hinted that during the summer, when U.S. energy demand peaks due to school closures, increased travel, and air conditioning usage, Iran could fully deploy its supply-disruption card, sending oil prices spiraling out of control. Following the deadlock in peace talks on Monday, global oil prices have already begun to climb. Brent Crude rose by 2.05% to reach $107.49 per barrel, its highest since April 7, while the U.S. benchmark WTI reached $96.17.
