Iran’s parliament backs closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital global oil route—after US airstrikes. Could Tehran cripple 20% of the world’s energy supply and trigger an economic firestorm?
In a move that could shift the balance of global power and trigger a severe economic crisis, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council is poised to decide on whether to shut down the Strait of Hormuz. Backed by a parliamentary vote, this escalation follows recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian military sites—reigniting fears of another energy crisis and a possible military flashpoint.
The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic bottleneck just 33 kilometers wide at its narrowest, handles nearly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Its closure would have no immediate maritime alternative, leaving oil-dependent economies—from Asia to Europe—staring down the barrel of inflation, fuel shortages, and possible recession.
Iranian MP and Revolutionary Guard commander Esmail Kosari confirmed that the closure “is on the agenda and will be done whenever necessary.” This isn’t mere saber-rattling; it’s a calculated geopolitical lever. Blocking the strait would not only impact U.S. allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE but would also risk Iran’s own trade relations, notably with China.
Unlike previous episodes—such as during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war where attacks occurred but shipping lanes remained open—today’s scenario is unfolding under new and more volatile conditions. With U.S. airstrikes already in play, Iran may feel justified in crossing red lines it once hesitated to approach.
The economic consequences could be catastrophic. Oil prices would surge, triggering a ripple effect on transportation, manufacturing, and food distribution globally. Energy-importing countries could see their trade deficits balloon, while inflation could undermine monetary stability in emerging and advanced economies alike.
Socially, this would burden ordinary citizens with higher living costs. Politically, it could embolden populist leaders and fuel unrest in already fragile regions. And geopolitically, a closure would bring U.S. naval forces face to face with Iran’s military, risking a full-scale confrontation that could pull in Russia, China, and NATO powers.
In short, the Strait of Hormuz has become the world’s economic jugular—and Iran now holds the scalpel.
Whether Tehran follows through on the closure remains uncertain. But the very fact that it’s being seriously considered tells us that the Middle East conflict is no longer contained. It’s a global crisis unfolding in real time, one tanker at a time.
