On Sunday, Iran’s parliament passed a highly consequential measure to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass. This decision, widely interpreted as a direct response to recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, now awaits final approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the nation’s highest authority on defense. If implemented, the closure could trigger a significant energy crisis, destabilizing global oil markets and inflaming tensions throughout the Middle East.
The crisis was set in motion following a series of U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s key nuclear installations located in Natanz, Esfahan, and Fordow. These precision attacks employed Tomahawk cruise missiles and B-2 stealth bombers, signaling a bold escalation by the U.S. aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. For years, Iran had warned that it would retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz if its nuclear program came under military attack. Now, with that threat edging closer to reality, the situation has entered a dangerous new phase.
Iranian military leaders are doubling down on their stance. Esmail Kosari, a senior commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, defended the decision to close the strait as a justified strategic response to what Iran views as acts of aggression. The Strait of Hormuz, just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is a vital corridor for global energy transport, especially for nations like Japan, South Korea, and China, whose economies heavily rely on stable oil and gas imports. Even a partial disruption could send energy prices soaring and trigger global economic consequences.
Despite the growing tension, commercial shipping in the region remains largely unchanged for now. Maersk, the Danish shipping giant, announced that its vessels will continue to use the strait, though it is closely monitoring the situation. The company stated that any significant changes in the security landscape would prompt a reassessment, including the possibility of rerouting vessels or suspending operations entirely to ensure the safety of crews and cargo. Other global shipping and energy firms are also taking precautionary measures, reflecting growing anxiety in international trade circles.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense has sought to clarify its position. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the airstrikes as “extensive and strategically necessary,” but emphasized that Washington is not seeking a ground conflict with Iran. The U.S. maintains that its goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while avoiding a broader war. Hegseth also indicated that although the U.S. is prepared for potential fallout, no additional military deployments are planned beyond existing forces stationed in the region. Washington has called on allies to maintain readiness without escalating the situation.
The unfolding events in the Strait of Hormuz have introduced a new level of uncertainty into global geopolitics. Energy markets remain volatile, diplomatic backchannels are under strain, and security analysts warn that a single miscalculation could trigger a much wider conflict. Whether or not Iran follows through with closing the strait, the mere possibility has already shaken international confidence in the stability of the region. In the coming days, the world will be watching closely as decisions made in Tehran—and responses from global powers—shape the future of energy security and regional balance.
