Iran Moves to Close Strait of Hormuz Following U.S. Airstrikes, Raising Global Energy Alarm

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s parliament has approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz, the vital maritime chokepoint through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass daily. The decision comes in direct response to recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a significant intensification of the conflict.

The final authority to implement the closure rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, which is expected to make a decisive announcement soon. Iranian lawmakers and Revolutionary Guard commanders have indicated that the closure will be executed “whenever deemed necessary,” signaling Tehran’s readiness to disrupt global energy flows if pressured further.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, is only 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, with a shipping channel just 2 miles wide. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, serving as a critical artery for the export of crude oil from major producers including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, and Iran itself.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China on Sunday to dissuade Iran from closing the strait, emphasizing that such a move would be “economic self-destruction” for Tehran and have far-reaching consequences for global markets. Rubio warned that closing the strait would represent a serious escalation, prompting a strong response from the United States and its allies.

The potential closure has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with experts warning of sharp increases in oil prices and disruptions to supply chains. India, a major crude importer that relies on the strait for about 2 million barrels per day, is closely monitoring the situation and preparing contingency plans. While India has diversified its energy sources, a closure could still lead to short-term price spikes and inflationary pressures.

Iran’s move to block the Strait of Hormuz is a high-stakes gamble that could escalate the Middle East conflict into a broader crisis, affecting economies worldwide. The international community remains watchful as the Supreme National Security Council weighs its options amid mounting pressure.