On Sunday, the Iranian parliament voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage that handles about 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments. While the vote signals Iran’s growing defiance, the ultimate decision lies with the Supreme National Security Council.

The move follows a sharp escalation in tensions after U.S. airstrikes targeted three key Iranian nuclear facilities—Natanz, Esfahan, and Fordow. These strikes, reportedly involving Tomahawk missiles and B-2 bombers, were in response to earlier Israeli military actions that heightened instability in the region.

Commander Esmail Kosari of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that closing the strait is a serious option and will be executed if deemed necessary. The 21-mile-wide waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is essential for the global energy supply chain, especially for Asian economies.

Nations like China, Japan, and South Korea heavily rely on the uninterrupted flow of oil and gas through this narrow strait. Any closure could cause global energy markets to react sharply, likely triggering a spike in fuel prices and economic uncertainty worldwide.

Despite the threats, Danish shipping giant Maersk announced it will continue operating in the Strait of Hormuz. The company is closely monitoring the situation and says it will make operational adjustments if risks increase further.

The Pentagon emphasized that while the U.S. strikes caused substantial damage to Iran’s nuclear capabilities, they are not intended to lead to a ground invasion. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in a press briefing that the U.S. aims to deter further escalation, not trigger a full-scale war.

The situation remains highly volatile, drawing intense global scrutiny. Any decision to block the strait could not only ignite military conflict but also create severe economic repercussions across oil-dependent nations.

As diplomatic channels remain limited and regional tensions grow, the international community watches closely. The next steps from Iran’s leadership and the reactions of major world powers will be crucial in determining whether this crisis leads to broader conflict or a fragile resolution.