Tehran warns of ‘significant costs’ if pressure continues

Iran’s first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, said the “security of the Strait of Hormuz is not free”, warning that restrictions on Iran’s oil exports would have wider consequences.

“One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others,” he said in a post on X.

“The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all, or the risk of significant costs for everyone,” Aref said.

He added that “stability in global fuel prices depends on a guaranteed and lasting end to the economic and military pressure against Iran and its allies.”

The security of the Strait of Hormuz is not free. One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others. The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all, or the risk of significant costs for everyone. Stability in global fuel prices depends on a…

— Aref| First VP Iran (@fvpresidentiran) April 19, 2026