DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed to international navigation and warned that any vessel attempting to transit the strategic waterway would be attacked and set ablaze, according to state media and defense officials.
Ebrahim Jabari, senior adviser to the IRGC’s commander‑in‑chief, reiterated the warning on Monday, saying the Guard and the regular navy would target ships trying to pass through the strait, a key chokepoint through which about one‑fifth of the world’s crude oil supply is transported.
Jabari also threatened attacks on oil infrastructure and predicted a sharp rise in energy prices, claiming Tehran would prevent “a single drop of oil” from leaving the region.
Escalating Conflict and Shipping Disruptions
The announcement comes amid the most severe escalation between Iran, the United States, and Israel in years following airstrikes by Washington and Tel Aviv that targeted Iranian leadership and military assets. Iran’s retaliation has seen missile strikes against US military bases and attacks on oil and gas facilities throughout the Gulf region.
Global shipping has responded to the heightened risk: several major carriers — including container shipping giant Maersk — have suspended vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz, citing safety concerns, and rerouted ships around alternative routes such as around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.
Maritime security agencies have reported multiple vessels in the region struck by unknown projectiles, and at least one fuel tanker was reported ablaze after a drone strike in the strait.
Legal Status of the Strait
While Iran’s IRGC asserts the strait is “closed,” international and maritime authorities stress that the Strait of Hormuz remains international waters, and there has been no recognized legal blockade. Broadcasts warning ships not to enter have been received by vessels, but such messages are not legally binding under international law, maritime experts say.
Nevertheless, commercial traffic has plunged, with many tankers either holding position, turning back, or anchoring pending developments.
Global Market Impact
The disruption has already rippled through global markets: Brent crude jumped sharply as tanker movements slowed, and war‑risk insurance coverage is being withdrawn by major underwriters, raising costs for any shipping in the Gulf region.
Analysts warn that if traffic through the strait remains severely restricted for an extended period, crude prices could exceed US$100 per barrel, with broader knock‑on effects on inflation, freight costs and energy security worldwide.
Regional and International Responses
The United States Central Command has publicly stated that the strait is not officially closed and reiterated its commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation, while warnings from Greek and other maritime authorities urge flag states to avoid the region where possible due to elevated military risk.
As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, international trade routes and energy markets remain on alert, prompting calls for diplomatic engagement even as military confrontations unfold.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
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