Iran’s parliament just took a bold step with global repercussions, voting to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply. The decision, which could disrupt $1 billion in daily oil shipments, awaits a final ruling from Iran’s Supreme Council, according to state-run Press TV.
This escalation comes after the U.S. dropped six massive GBU-57 “bunker buster” bombs on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility and other key sites Saturday night, following a wave of Israeli strikes.
“Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless, and criminal behavior,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Email Kosari of the Revolutionary Guards warned that further retaliation “will be done whenever necessary.”
The Strait, only 20 miles wide at its tightest and even narrower in navigable lanes, is highly vulnerable. The IRGC has a strong naval presence, including armed patrol boats, but any move to block international sea traffic would spark immediate resistance. The US Fifth Fleet and Western allies maintain constant patrols there.
Asia stands to lose most from any disruption, with China, India, Japan, and South Korea depending heavily on the route for oil imports. Ironically, Iran’s own economy would also suffer.
Past incidents reveal Iran’s readiness to flex its muscle, like seizing ships in 2023 and 2022, but this latest move marks a new level of risk in a volatile region. The world is now watching the Strait of Hormuz closer than ever.
