Mon Jun 23 13:50:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Iran’s parliament has approved a measure to potentially close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil trade route. While the ultimate decision rests with Iran’s leaders, closing the strait is seen as a possible retaliatory measure that would significantly disrupt global oil supplies and impact the global economy. Analysts warn that such an action would be economically self-destructive for Iran and would likely provoke a strong military response from the US and potentially draw other Gulf states into the conflict.
**News Article:**
**Iran Considers Closing Strait of Hormuz After US Strikes, Raising Global Oil Crisis Fears**
TEHRAN – Amid escalating tensions following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran’s parliament has approved a measure that could lead to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil trade. The move raises fears of a significant disruption to the world’s oil supply and potential economic repercussions.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Oman and Iran, is a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied gas passes daily. Blocking this route would severely restrict trade and trigger a global oil price spike.
While Iran has threatened to close the strait in the past, it has never acted. However, the recent airstrikes, condemned by Iranian leaders as a “grave mistake” that “must be punished,” appear to have shifted the calculus. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the US actions “will have everlasting consequences.”
Analysts suggest that Iran could attempt to mine the shipping lanes within the strait, disrupting maritime traffic. However, such actions would likely be met with a strong military response from the US, which has considerable naval assets in the region, including the Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain.
Closing the strait would not only impact the US and other oil-importing nations but would also be detrimental to Iran’s own economy, as it relies on the same waterway for its oil exports. Furthermore, it could alienate Gulf Arab states and significantly harm China, a major importer of Iranian oil.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China to intervene, stating, “I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the strait of Hormuz for their oil.”
Reports indicate that some supertankers have already begun diverting from the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting growing anxiety over potential disruptions. The international community is watching the situation closely, bracing for potential further escalation and its impact on the global economy.
First Piper 