As tensions between Iran and Israel reach dangerous new heights, a senior Iranian lawmaker has warned that Tehran may consider closing the vital Strait of Hormuz — a move that could trigger a global energy crisis and risk widening the conflict.
What is the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. It separates Iran from Oman and the United Arab Emirates and serves as the only sea passage into and out of the Persian Gulf.
At its narrowest point, the strait is just 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide, but the actual shipping lanes are even narrower, making the passage especially vulnerable to any disruptions or military threats. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil passes through this route, which directly connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Throughout modern history, the Strait of Hormuz has been at the center of regional tensions. During the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War, both sides attacked oil tankers passing through the Gulf, in what became known as the Tanker War, though the strait itself was never fully closed. More recently, in 2019, four ships were attacked near the strait amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions during President Donald Trump’s administration. The U.S. blamed Iran for the attacks, which Tehran denied.
What will happen if Iran closes it?
Closing the Strait of Hormuz would have immediate and severe consequences for global oil markets and world economies. With no alternative sea route out of the Persian Gulf, a closure would instantly cut off a major portion of global oil supply, sending crude prices skyrocketing. Even countries that do not import oil directly from the Gulf would face higher energy costs due to sharp price hikes in international markets.
Beyond economic repercussions, such a move would almost certainly provoke a military response, particularly from the United States, which maintains a significant naval presence in the region specifically to ensure the strait remains open. The risk of escalation into a broader regional or even global conflict would increase significantly.
While Iranian lawmaker Esmail Kosari has publicly raised the possibility of closing the strait, it remains uncertain whether Tehran has both the military capability and the political will to follow through. Nevertheless, the threat highlights Iran’s leverage and the potential risks facing global energy security as hostilities with Israel continue to grow.
