Iran weighs closure of Strait of Hormuz

Iran is seriously considering the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil shipments, Brigadier General Esmail Kosari, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission said.

According to him, the option is under review amid escalating regional tensions, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, is considered the most critical maritime route for oil transport. Approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products—nearly one-fifth of global oil trade—pass through the narrow waterway daily, linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.

While Iranian officials have previously issued similar threats, energy analysts remain skeptical about the feasibility of a complete closure. Experts say that shutting down the strait entirely may be logistically challenging and politically costly, and a full-scale disruption of oil flows remains unlikely for now.

Iran has made comparable threats in the past, notably in 2018 following the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the reimposition of sanctions. Similar warnings were issued in 2011 and 2012, when Iranian leaders, including then–Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi, suggested closing the strait if Western nations imposed further sanctions targeting Tehran’s oil exports and nuclear activities.

By Sabina Mammadli