The question of will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz has resurfaced amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. As a critical maritime chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital artery for global energy markets, with approximately 20% of the world’s oil and 30% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) passing through its narrow waters daily. Recent conflicts, particularly between Iran and Israel, have sparked concerns that Iran closes Strait of Hormuz could become a reality, disrupting global trade and energy supplies. This article explores the likelihood of will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic motivations behind such a move, and the potential consequences if the Strait of Hormuz closed by Iran.
Understanding the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. Stretching just 21 to 60 nautical miles at its narrowest points, it separates Iran’s northern coast from the Musandam Peninsula, shared by Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The strait’s significance lies in its role as the primary route for oil exports from Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Qatar. Any disruption caused by Iran closes Strait of Hormuz would have far-reaching economic and geopolitical implications.
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Iran’s proximity to the strait gives it significant leverage. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iranian Navy maintain a robust presence, equipped with advanced naval mines, anti-ship missiles, drones, and fast-attack boats. These capabilities fuel speculation about whether will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz in response to external pressures, such as sanctions or military actions.
Historical Context: Iran’s Threats to Close the Strait
The notion of will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz is not new. Iran has repeatedly threatened to disrupt maritime traffic during periods of heightened tension. During the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, Iran targeted oil tankers with mines and missiles, causing delays and increased shipping costs. In 2011, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi warned that the strait would be closed if sanctions impacted Iran’s oil exports. More recently, in June 2025, Iranian lawmaker Esmail Kosari suggested that closing the strait was under consideration amid escalating conflicts with Israel.
Despite these threats, Strait of Hormuz closed by Iran has never occurred for a prolonged period. Experts argue that Iran’s rhetoric often serves as political posturing to deter adversaries and influence global oil prices. However, the question remains: will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz in the current geopolitical climate?
Why Iran Might Consider Closing the Strait
Several factors could drive Iran to contemplate Iran closes Strait of Hormuz. These include:
- Military Escalation: Ongoing conflicts with Israel, particularly if they involve direct U.S. intervention, could push Iran to disrupt the strait as a retaliatory measure. Iranian officials have warned that U.S. military involvement would justify actions to pressure Western nations’ oil trade.
- Economic Sanctions: Iran relies heavily on oil exports, primarily to China, which transit through the Strait of Hormuz. If sanctions severely restrict these exports, Iran might view closing the strait as a way to inflict economic pain on adversaries, even at significant cost to itself.
- Internal Pressures: Iran’s government faces domestic challenges, including economic instability and public discontent. Closing the strait could rally nationalist sentiment, diverting attention from internal issues. However, this strategy risks backfiring if it leads to further economic hardship.
- Strategic Leverage: By threatening will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz, Iran can negotiate from a position of strength. The mere possibility of disruption can spike oil prices, as seen in June 2025 when crude prices surged 13% following Iranian threats.
Challenges and Risks for Iran
While Iran has the military capability to disrupt the strait, Strait of Hormuz closed by Iran would come with significant risks. Iran’s arsenal includes naval mines, anti-ship missiles, and fast-attack boats, which could make navigation dangerous. However, several factors suggest that will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely to be a sustained action:
- Economic Self-Harm: Iran exports much of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Closing the strait would halt these exports, cutting off 65% of government revenues and risking domestic unrest. Analysts note that Iran has little incentive to “shoot itself in the foot” unless its oil infrastructure is directly targeted.
- International Backlash: Iran closes Strait of Hormuz would likely provoke a military response from the U.S., European navies, and Gulf states. The U.S. Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, is well-equipped to counter Iranian actions, including mine-clearing operations. Such a conflict could escalate into a broader regional war.
- China’s Influence: China, Iran’s largest oil customer, opposes any disruption to the strait. A spike in oil prices or supply shortages would harm China’s economy, potentially straining its relationship with Iran. Beijing’s economic leverage could deter Iran from acting on its threats.
- Global Economic Impact: Strait of Hormuz closed by Iran would send oil prices soaring, potentially exceeding $100 per barrel. While this could benefit Iran in the short term, it would alienate neutral countries and strengthen calls for alternative energy routes.
Global Consequences of a Closure
The question of will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz carries profound implications for the global economy. A closure, even temporary, would disrupt energy markets and supply chains. Key consequences include:
- Oil Price Surge: A prolonged closure could push Brent crude prices to $120-$150 per barrel, driving inflation and increasing energy costs worldwide. Europe, heavily reliant on Gulf oil and LNG, would face severe shortages.
- Economic Disruption: Countries like Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar depend on the strait for their exports. A closure would cripple their economies, while global industries such as manufacturing, transport, and agriculture would suffer from higher fuel costs.
- Military Confrontation: Iran closes Strait of Hormuz would likely trigger a U.S.-led military response to restore navigation. This could escalate into a broader conflict, drawing in NATO allies and Gulf states.
- Market Volatility: Financial markets would react sharply to any closure, with stock exchanges experiencing significant declines. Investors would face uncertainty, particularly in energy and shipping sectors.
Could Iran Sustain a Closure?
Experts question whether will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz for an extended period. Iran could deploy naval mines, drones, and missiles to disrupt traffic, but sustaining a blockade is challenging. Mine-clearing operations, though time-consuming, are within the capabilities of the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 56. Iran’s small boats and midget submarines are vulnerable to advanced naval defenses, and its shore-based missile batteries could be targeted by airstrikes.
Moreover, international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), guarantees transit passage through international straits. While Iran has not ratified UNCLOS, customary international law supports free navigation. Strait of Hormuz closed by Iran would be viewed as an act of war, justifying military intervention.
Alternative Scenarios
Rather than a full closure, Iran might pursue less drastic measures to achieve its objectives. These include:
- Harassment of Shipping: Iran could use small boats to harass commercial vessels, increasing insurance premiums and delaying shipments without fully closing the strait.
- Seizure of Vessels: Iran has a history of seizing tankers, as seen with the UK-flagged Stena Impero in 2019. Targeted seizures could pressure adversaries while avoiding all-out conflict.
- Cyberattacks: Iran has demonstrated cyber capabilities, such as the 2012 attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil industry. Disrupting maritime navigation systems or energy infrastructure could achieve similar effects without physical closure.
These alternatives allow Iran to flex its muscles while avoiding the catastrophic consequences of Iran closes Strait of Hormuz.
International Response and Mitigation
To counter the threat of will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz, the international community has taken steps to secure the strait. The U.S.-led Combined Maritime Force patrols the region, ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels. Countries like the UK, France, and South Korea maintain naval assets nearby, while Oman operates radar sites to monitor traffic.
Long-term strategies to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz include:
- Alternative Routes: Pipelines bypassing the strait, such as Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline, could mitigate disruptions. However, these routes have limited capacity.
- Energy Diversification: Investing in renewable energy and alternative suppliers could reduce dependence on Gulf oil and LNG.
- Diplomatic Engagement: Negotiations with Iran, potentially mediated by neutral parties like China, could de-escalate tensions and prevent Strait of Hormuz closed by Iran.
Conclusion: Will Iran Close the Strait of Hormuz?
The question of will Iran close the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical concern for global leaders and markets. While Iran possesses the military capability to disrupt the strait, a sustained closure is unlikely due to the economic, political, and military risks involved. Iran closes Strait of Hormuz would harm Iran as much as its adversaries, particularly given its reliance on oil exports and the potential for international retaliation.
Instead, Iran is more likely to use threats of closure as a bargaining chip to deter sanctions or military actions. The international community must remain vigilant, strengthening naval patrols and exploring alternative energy routes to mitigate risks. For now, the Strait of Hormuz remains open, but the specter of Strait of Hormuz closed by Iran looms large, underscoring the fragility of global energy security.