The Parliament of Iranhas voted in favor of closing the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime passage through which approximately 20% of the world's oil is transported.
This decision, which could block exports valued at about $1 billion per day, still requires approval from the Iranian Supreme Council, whose resolution is expected later tonight, according to state television Press TV.
The measure arises as a response to recent United States attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, in an escalation that Iranian authorities state will be implemented "when necessary."
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf and is one of the world's main energy chokepoints. It is just over 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) wide at its narrowest point, with navigation channels of less than two miles per direction.
El Estrecho de Ormuz es de vital importancia para el comercio internacional
This geographical configuration makes it especially vulnerable to attacks, underwater mines, and threats from the coast.
Iran has indicated that its most likely strategy would be an asymmetric offensive, avoiding a frontal naval blockade and resorting to tactics such as rapid mining of navigation routes and launching anti-ship missiles from mobile coastal batteries, such as the Ghader and Nasir systems, with a range of up to 186 miles (300 kilometers).
Despite these threats, Iran lacks legal authority to close the strait, which is considered international waters, and any attempt to disrupt maritime traffic could trigger a strong military response, particularly from the United States Fifth Fleet, which patrols the area alongside other Western navies.
The area is bordered by Iran to the north and by Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south, and is key for oil exports from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Iran, and the Emirates.
Sin embargo el régimen iraní no tiene autoridad para cerrar el paso en el estrecho
Asian countries would be the most affected in the event of a transit disruption, since most of the crude oil they import, especially China, India, Japan, and South Korea, passes through the strait.
China, in particular, is the largest buyer of Iranian oil and a strategic partner of Tehran that has protected the country in the UN Security Council through its veto power.
Nevertheless, a closure of Hormuz would also severely harm Iran's own economy, which depends on this passage for its vital imports.
Historically, Iran has resorted to similar tactics to exert pressure. In April of last year, it captured a vessel linked to Israel near the strait, and in 2023 it seized an oil tanker bound for the United States, alleging a previous collision.
Los países asiáticos serían los más perjudicados frente a esta medida
In 2022, it detained two Greek vessels for six months, in retaliation for the confiscation of Iranian crude by Greece and the United States.
Meanwhile, the Houthis in Yemen, allies of Iran, have demonstrated the ability to disrupt maritime traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, through missiles, drones, and cyberattacks.
These actions reduced maritime traffic in the area by up to 70% in June compared to the 2022 and 2023 average. As a result, many shipping operators have been forced to divert their routes around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, significantly increasing the cost and length of journeys between Asia and Europe.
Los hutíes han interrumpido el tráfico marítimo en el Golfo de Adén
