In a stark escalation of regional tensions, Iran’s military issued a firm warning on Sunday, declaring that it would completely close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz if the United States follows through on its threats to target Iranian power plants. This announcement comes amid heightened hostilities that have gripped the Middle East since late February, when US and Israeli forces launched bombardments against Iranian positions, igniting a broader conflict across the region.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime chokepoint through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments typically pass, has been effectively shut down since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28. The closure has severely disrupted global energy supplies, with only a fraction of the usual vessel traffic—estimated at about five percent of pre-war levels—managing to navigate the waterway, data from the analytics company Kpler.
Iranian forces have repeatedly targeted ships attempting to transit the strait, justifying their actions by accusing these vessels of ignoring explicit warnings not to enter the contested waters. Recently, Tehran has permitted passage to ships from countries it considers allies, while simultaneously threatening to block vessels from nations it accuses of participating in what it terms an “aggression” against Iran. This selective approach underscores the deepening geopolitical fault lines surrounding the conflict.
The military’s operational command, known as Khatam Al-Anbiya, conveyed its ultimatum through a statement broadcast by state television. It declared that if the United States carries out its threats against Iran’s power infrastructure, the Strait of Hormuz would be sealed off entirely and remain closed until the damaged power plants are fully restored. This declaration signals a readiness to escalate the conflict further, leveraging control over a critical artery of global energy trade to exert pressure on Washington.
Moreover, the Iranian military warned of retaliatory strikes targeting Israel’s power plants, energy facilities, and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure. It also threatened to hit power plants in neighboring countries that host US military bases or have companies with American shareholders. These measures, the statement emphasized, are intended to defend Iran’s sovereignty and national interests amid what it describes as ongoing aggression.
Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament is considering imposing tolls on all shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that would further complicate maritime traffic and international trade. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has indicated that maritime activity in the strait is unlikely to return to its pre-conflict levels anytime soon, reflecting the long-term impact of the war on regional stability and global energy markets.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community remains on edge, closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway’s closure would not only exacerbate the already volatile situation in the Middle East but also disrupt global energy supplies, potentially triggering economic repercussions worldwide. The coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation or if the region will face an even deeper crisis.
