Iran Considers Closure of Strait of Hormuz
Israa Farhan
Iran may move to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz following preliminary approval by its parliament, though final authorization is still pending from the country's Supreme National Security Council, according to Iranian state media.
The decision, if implemented, would mark a significant escalation in regional tensions, particularly after the recent US airstrike targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
While Iran's parliament has reportedly agreed in principle to the closure, official confirmation from top national security authorities has yet to be issued.
State-run Press TV
reported
on Sunday that the move to shut the strait remains contingent upon a final green light from the Supreme National Security Council. The announcement follows rising regional instability and growing speculation about Iran's possible retaliation.
Senior Iranian lawmaker and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Esmail Kowsari stated that closing the strait remains a viable option under active consideration.
According to comments carried by the Young Journalists Club, he confirmed that the decision will be made if necessary, with all strategic responses still on the table.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, through which approximately 20 percent of global oil and gas exports transit. Located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the narrow passage is vital for the export of hydrocarbons from key producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Iran itself.
Any disruption to this vital corridor would pose serious risks to international energy markets and could trigger broader geopolitical conflict. Historically, the strait has been a flashpoint during periods of tension between Iran and the United States and its allies.
The renewed debate over the strait's status emerged just hours after the US carried out airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday morning. The strikes prompted strong condemnation from Tehran and warnings of serious strategic consequences.
Iran has previously threatened to block the strait in response to sanctions or military aggression, though it has never followed through on the threat.
However, analysts warn that a full closure would likely provoke an immediate and far-reaching military and economic crisis in the Gulf region and beyond.
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