Iran calls on Arab nations to impose oil embargo on Israel, expel ambassadors

OPEC plans to ignore Iran's demands, reports say

Morgan Ortagus stresses importance of 'deterrence' against Iran as Israeli-Hamas war escalates

Former State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus joined 'FOX & Friends' to discuss security concerns surrounding Western embassies around the globe as Biden visits officials in Israel. 

Iran called on its Arab-majority neighbors to impose an oil embargo on Israel as the Jewish state wages its war against Hamas.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Wednesday called for the embargo and for nations within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to expel all Israeli ambassadors.

OPEC, the organization of largely Arab nations that overseas oil production in the Middle East, has no plans to impose such an embargo, Reuters reported Wednesday. The organization has no special or emergency meetings planned to discuss such a move.

"We are not a political organization," one OPEC source told Reuters.

LIVE UPDATES: ISRAEL AT WAR WITH HAMAS

iran calls on arab nations to impose oil embargo on israel expel ambassadors

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting with nuclear scientists and personnel of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, in Tehran, Iran, on Sunday, June 11. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA/Reuters )

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

FORMER ISRAELI SOLDIER SUGGESTS HOSTAGE RESCUE OPERATIONS BEHIND DELAY IN GROUND INVASION OF GAZA

Iran has spent much of the past week threatening Israel with consequences for its ongoing war against Hamas. Israel has launched thousands of air strikes into Gaza and appears poised for a ground operation following Hamas' unprecedented terror attack in Israel on Oct. 7.

Iran has threatened to join the conflict itself, and its proxy in Lebanon, Hezbollah, has also harried Israel's northern border.

iran calls on arab nations to impose oil embargo on israel expel ambassadors

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. (Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו @netanyahu)

Meanwhile, President Biden's administration has warned both Hezbollah and Iran to steer clear of the conflict. The U.S. has deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups, USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, to the Eastern Mediterranean.

BRUTAL HAMAS ‘SHADOW UNIT’ LIKELY BEHIND HOSTAGE RAIDS POSES RESCUE NIGHTMARE: EXPERT

Israel's top national security adviser has said he anticipates that the U.S. would become involved in the conflict if Iran or Hezbollah intervenes.

iran calls on arab nations to impose oil embargo on israel expel ambassadors

Israeli tanks move near Gaza border as Israeli army deploys military vehicles around the Gaza Strip. Israel appears poised for a ground assault, but has not committed to one. (Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin put 2,000 troops on high alert earlier this week.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.

Authored by Anders Hagstrom via FoxNews October 18th 2023