Iran has threatened to attack any ship that attempts to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes for oil exports.
Ebrahim Jabari, a senior advisor to the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated that the Strait is now closed and warned that guards and navy forces will set ablaze any vessel trying to transit.
This threat marks Iran’s most direct alert since announcing the closure of the crucial waterway, posing a significant threat to nearly 20% of global oil exports and potentially causing steep rises in crude oil prices worldwide.
The Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that regular navy forces would ignite vessels attempting to navigate through the strait if anyone tries to pass despite the closure.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that several nations had approached Tehran seeking safe passage for their vessels, with the decision on which ships to permit left to military judgment.
The strait remains accessible to all nations except the United States and its partners, according to Iran’s new supreme leader who vowed to maintain the blockade.
US President Donald Trump has called for a naval coalition to collaborate with the US Navy deploying warships to secure the strait, though nations mentioned have yet to commit to such an operation.
The crisis has added further uncertainty to global energy flows and regional stability, with India calling in the Iranian ambassador after two Indian vessels came under fire in the strait.
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