Amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, rumors have emerged about a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial route for global oil supplies.
International sources report that Iranian forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have been issuing warnings to vessels about a ban on passage through the strait. These signals were recorded by a European naval mission.
However, the official authorities of Iran have not confirmed the information about a complete blockade, and international organizations have not recorded any legal closure of the strait.
Journalists report disruptions in shipping. Some oil companies and traders have suspended deliveries through the strait, and some tankers have changed their routes or temporarily stopped in regional ports due to increased risks.
The U.S. Navy expressed concern, stating that they cannot guarantee the safety of commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf, while some countries have advised their vessels to avoid the region. Insurance companies have also raised rates due to the heightened military threats.
According to reports, even without a formal closure, the movement of vessels through the strait may be significantly restricted. The Strait of Hormuz is strategically important for global energy, as a significant share of global maritime oil and liquefied gas supplies passes through it.
The escalation of the situation occurred after Israeli strikes on facilities in Iran on February 28, which, according to international media, targeted military and nuclear infrastructure. Iran responded with strikes on Israeli and American targets in the region, significantly increasing the risks of further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz connects:
- the Persian Gulf (home to major oil exporters — Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE)
- with the Gulf of Oman
- and further with the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean
From the Indian Ocean, routes lead:
- to Europe (via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal)
- to Asia (India, China, Japan, South Korea)
- to Africa and other regions
