Iran’s IRGC Declares Strait of Hormuz ‘Closed,’ Warns Ships of Attack

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is “closed” and warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the strategic waterway would face attack by Iranian forces.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints and the only sea route for oil and gas exports from the Persian Gulf to open waters.

According to Al Jazeera, roughly 20 percent of the world’s daily oil consumption, about 20 million barrels per day, passes through the strait, along with a significant share of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments.

Most of the oil transported via the strait is exported to Asian countries including China, India, Japan, and South Korea, while a substantial portion of Europe’s jet fuel and global LNG supplies also transit the route.

A senior IRGC commander said Tuesday that “the strait is closed” and warned that Iranian naval forces would set ships ablaze if they attempted to cross. He added that Iran would not allow “even a single drop of oil” to leave the region and predicted oil prices could surge to $200 per barrel.

Reports cited by Al Jazeera indicate that Iranian attacks on oil tankers have damaged at least five vessels, killed two people, and left around 150 ships stranded. Maritime traffic through the strait has reportedly declined by at least 80 percent, with many shipping, oil, and insurance companies rerouting operations.

The announcement comes amid escalating conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel following joint strikes that reportedly killed senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Analysts warn that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could severely disrupt global supply chains, drive oil prices sharply higher, and potentially draw Gulf states more directly into the conflict. While a long-term blockade is considered unlikely, current disruptions have already pushed oil prices upward and increased shipping and insurance costs.

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