In a dramatic escalation following recent U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear infrastructure, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global energy corridor — raising alarms across international markets. The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy, Brigadier General Alireza Tangsiri, issued a stark warning on Monday, stating that the strait “will be closed within a few hours” if aggression against Iran continues.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but crucial maritime route linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, handles nearly 25% of the world’s oil shipments and a third of global LNG exports. A disruption in this region would impact major oil-exporting nations like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE, and severely affect energy imports for countries across Asia.
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Oil markets responded immediately to Iran’s announcement. Brent crude prices jumped over 6% in early Asian trading, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also saw a sharp rise. Analysts warn that a prolonged closure could push oil prices well above $100 per barrel, trigger global supply chain disruptions, and strain relations between energy-dependent economies.
“This is no longer just a Middle East issue,” said Dr. Noura Hadad of the Institute of Strategic Studies in London. “The mere threat of shutting down Hormuz sends panic through financial and energy markets. A full closure could spark a historic energy crisis.”
The U.S. has not officially responded to the threat, but reports suggest American naval forces in the region are on heightened alert. As the geopolitical standoff deepens, the risk of military confrontation and economic fallout continues to rise.
