Following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Iran’s parliament has approved a motion to close the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow but vital waterway through which nearly 20% of the world’s daily oil supply flows.
Why It Matters:
- The Strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is the only maritime route for oil exports from major producers like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE.
- About 88% of Persian Gulf oil exports and a third of global LNG shipments pass through this chokepoint.
Can Iran Really Do It?
- Iran controls the northern side of the strait and has threatened closure before, but has never actually blocked it, even during past conflicts.
- Experts warn that a full blockade would be economically self-destructive for Iran, as it also relies on the strait for its own exports.
- The U.S. Navy and allied forces maintain a strong presence in the region, making any attempt at closure likely to provoke military pushback.
Global Impact:
- A closure would spike oil prices, disrupt global supply chains, and hit major importers like India, China, Japan, and South Korea hardest.
- While some pipelines offer limited alternatives, they can’t match the strait’s capacity.
(source Times of India)
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