logo
Strait of Hormuz threat: Iran is shooting itself in the foot

Strait of Hormuz threat: Iran is shooting itself in the foot

Ya Libnana day ago

By:
Ya Libnan Editorial Board
A sharp drop in commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—one of the most critical maritime corridors in the world—is fueling fears of a major escalation in the Middle East. The development comes on the heels of a dramatic turn: the United States struck three Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities, marking its most direct involvement yet in efforts to halt Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
Iran has responded with defiance, condemning the strikes and declaring that all options are on the table to protect its sovereignty. One of the most concerning of those options is the reported approval by Iran's parliament to
close the Strait of Hormuz
—a decision that, if acted upon, would represent an alarming miscalculation and a profound act of self-harm.
The Strait of Hormuz is not just any waterway. It is the
artery through which nearly 20% of the world's oil and petroleum products pass
, as well as a fifth of global liquefied natural gas, mostly from Qatar. Even a brief disruption could send energy prices skyrocketing, threaten global inflation, and put a chokehold on international shipping.
But in threatening to close the Strait,
Iran is shooting itself in the foot
.
Its economy is already on life support—crippled by sanctions, inflation, mismanagement, and capital flight. Oil exports are among the few reliable sources of revenue left. Blocking the Strait would not only disrupt global energy flows—it would
cut off Iran's own economic lifeline
. In effect, Tehran would be undermining its already fragile position in a fit of strategic posturing.
Worse yet, Iran risks alienating its most important international partners.
China
, its largest oil customer, has little patience for disruptions that imperil its own energy security. Tehran may find that its threats will do more than rattle markets—they could fracture its few remaining strategic alliances.
And practically speaking, Iran's ability to close the Strait is more limited than it once was. In the 1980s, the U.S. responded to similar threats by escorting oil tankers through the waterway. Today, that capability still exists—and regional players like
Saudi Arabia have developed alternative pipelines to the Red Sea
, capable of diverting millions of barrels per day.
The reality is clear: Iran cannot win this standoff by turning off the tap. Any attempt to weaponize the Strait would only accelerate its own economic collapse and invite overwhelming international backlash. It would
not be an act of strength, but of desperation
.
The wiser path for Iran is de-escalation, diplomacy, and a long-overdue investment in its own people and economy. Threats to the global oil supply won't gain it leverage—they'll deepen its isolation.
Tehran must ask itself: Can it afford to gamble what little stability it has left? Because shutting down Hormuz won't bring relief or victory—it will only tighten the noose around Iran's own neck.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

24 Jun 2025 17:54 PM Aoun holds a series of meetings
24 Jun 2025 17:54 PM Aoun holds a series of meetings

MTV Lebanon

time4 hours ago

  • MTV Lebanon

24 Jun 2025 17:54 PM Aoun holds a series of meetings

Baabda Presidential Palace witnessed a series of ministerial and parliamentary meetings, addressing the general situation in Lebanon and developments in the region. At the ministerial level, President Aoun received Finance Minister Yassin Jaber, with whom he discussed matters related to his ministry. At the parliamentary level, President Aoun recieved at Baabda Palace, MP Neemat Frem, with whom he held a tour d'horizon on the current developments, especially in the region after the Israeli-Iranian confrontations. Following the meeting, MP Frem said that he discussed with the President the challenges facing Lebanon and the region. Frem added that discussions also dwelt on the need to develop the current parliamentary election law and the importance of holding elections on time, and working on a modern election law that represents sects and regions. Frem also indicated that discussions covered key livelihood dossiers, including the solid waste crisis, administrative appointments, and the port of Jounieh and its vital role. President Aoun later received MP Ahmad Khair, who said that he discussed with the President regional developments. MP Khair stressed the importance of the decision to restrict weapons to the hands of the Lebanese state. The Lawmaker also affirmed his support for President Aoun during this critical stage, which requires rallying around the state. At Baabda Palace, President Aoun met with former Minister and former MP Nabil De Freij, with whom he held a tour d'horizon on local and regional issues, as well as Beqai related affairs.

Iran Revolutionary Guards say fired missiles at Israel in 'final moments before ceasefire'
Iran Revolutionary Guards say fired missiles at Israel in 'final moments before ceasefire'

Nahar Net

time7 hours ago

  • Nahar Net

Iran Revolutionary Guards say fired missiles at Israel in 'final moments before ceasefire'

by Naharnet Newsdesk 24 June 2025, 12:30 Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Tuesday that they had taught Israel an "unforgettable lesson" with a last-minute missile salvo fired just before a ceasefire deal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump was meant to take effect. The Guards said in a statement that "in the final moments before the ceasefire was imposed on the enemy", they had struck "military and logistical centers of the Zionist regime across the occupied territories (Israel) with 14 missiles, delivering a historic and unforgettable lesson to the Zionist enemy". Iran on Tuesday denied it launched missiles at Israel in the "last few hours", after Israel accused it of doing so. The general staff of the Iranian army "denied the launch of missiles from Iran to the occupied territories (Israel) in the last few hours", state television reported. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had earlier said Israel would "respond forcefully to Iran's violation of the ceasefire" after the military reported incoming Iranian missiles. - Iran accuses Israel of strikes after ceasefire announcement - Iran's armed forces accused Israel of launching strikes at the Islamic republic until Tuesday morning. "The Zionist regime launched three waves of attacks on sites in Iranian territory until 9:00 am (0530 GMT) today," a spokesman for the armed forces command was quoted as saying on state TV, without providing further details.

Geagea meets Aoun, says they totally agree on domestic issues
Geagea meets Aoun, says they totally agree on domestic issues

Nahar Net

time9 hours ago

  • Nahar Net

Geagea meets Aoun, says they totally agree on domestic issues

by Naharnet Newsdesk 24 June 2025, 14:23 President Joseph Aoun and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea met Tuesday in Baabda and discussed the latest developments in the region and in Lebanon. "I think that we'll reach a serious U.S.-Iranian understanding that is compatible with our vision and with Lebanon's higher interests," Geagea said after the meeting, as he urged for setting a timeframe for Hezbollah's disarmament. Geagea said that there has always been coordination between him and Aoun and that the President "has the intention to establish a real state." He added that "significant progress has been made in this direction." "Communication with President Aoun has never stopped whether before or after his election. We have discussed the recent developments, especially the decisions that should be taken domestically, and we totally agreed with each other," Geagea revealed. In previous statements, Geagea seemed to softly criticize Aoun for his flexibility with Hezbollah, urging him to be more strict.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store