Iran Threatens Closure of Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict

Amid intensifying war conditions in the Middle East, Iran has announced that it may close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transportation corridors.

The Chief Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Ebrahim Jabari, warned that vessels attempting to pass through the Strait would be targeted and potentially destroyed.

Retaliatory Escalation

The warning comes in response to joint military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran. Tehran has since intensified attacks on Gulf nations hosting US military bases.

In Saudi Arabia, drones launched by Iran toward the Ras Tanura oil refinery in the Dammam region were intercepted and shot down by Saudi forces. As a precautionary measure, the refinery has been temporarily shut down.

Global Shipping Disruption

More than 150 oil tankers carrying fuel from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly stranded in mid-sea, unable to cross the Strait of Hormuz due to the rising threat.

Located between Iran and Oman, the Strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Despite bordering Iran and Oman, it serves as an international maritime trade route critical to global energy supplies.

Oil Prices Surge

Following the escalation, international crude oil prices surged sharply on Monday:

• US crude oil rose 7.4% to $71.97 per barrel

• Brent crude climbed 7.7% to $78.46 per barrel

Experts warn that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for an extended period or if oil infrastructure in Gulf countries suffers damage, global oil prices could spiral significantly higher, triggering inflationary pressures worldwide.

The situation continues to fuel uncertainty in global energy markets and international trade.

Source : Dinamani