• Iran's foreign minister warned that foreign forces near its borders risk accidents or crossfire, urging their withdrawal.
  • The warning follows U.S. President Trump's claim that Iran downed a U.S. Apache helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The situation heightens risks for global oil markets as the Strait remains a critical chokepoint.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi issued a stark warning on social media platform X, stating that foreign military forces operating near Iranian territory face constant risk from accidents or crossfire. He called on them to leave the region to reduce tensions. The statement came hours after President Trump accused Iran of shooting down a U.S. Apache helicopter patrolling the Strait of Hormuz, an incident he said requires a response.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which about 20% of the world's oil passes, has long been a flashpoint. Araqchi's comments signal Tehran's readiness to defend its sovereignty, even as the U.S. maintains a heightened military presence in the Persian Gulf. According to people familiar with the matter, U.S. naval assets have increased patrols in the area, while Iranian forces have conducted live-fire drills near the chokepoint.

“We have no interest in escalation, but we will not tolerate foreign forces threatening our borders,” a senior Iranian official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Efforts to reach the Pentagon for comment were unsuccessful, but a U.S. defense official noted that the military remains prepared to protect freedom of navigation.

The risk of miscalculation is high. In previous incidents, such as the downing of a U.S. drone in 2019, both sides pulled back after initial threats, but oil markets reacted with volatility. Analysts warn that any sustained disruption could push crude prices higher and raise insurance costs for shipping.

“We're watching this very carefully,” said a senior trader at a Geneva-based oil firm, asking not to be named. “The market is already pricing in a risk premium, but if there's a real confrontation, we could see a spike.”

Iran's warning also comes amid broader regional tensions, including ongoing nuclear negotiations and proxy conflicts in the Middle East. Some observers see the rhetoric as a positioning tactic. “Tehran wants to show it's not backing down, but both sides know the cost of a war would be immense,” said a Dubai-based security analyst.

As the situation develops, shipping companies are assessing rerouting options, though most traffic continues to navigate the Strait under heightened caution. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the warning remains a verbal salvo or escalates into a more dangerous standoff.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the Apache incident occurred in the Persian Gulf; it took place in the Strait of Hormuz.