Photo: EPA
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly transmitted radio warnings telling vessels they are not permitted to pass through the strait, according to monitoring by a European naval mission cited by Reuters. However, Iran has not officially confirmed issuing any blockade order.
The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, handling roughly 20–21 million barrels of oil per day — about one-fifth of global consumption. Any disruption there could trigger major shocks in global energy markets.
The intercepted communications were reported by EUNAVFOR Aspides, an EU maritime security operation launched in 2024 to protect commercial shipping in regional waters after attacks on vessels.
Tehran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait during past crises in response to military pressure or sanctions, though such warnings have often served as strategic leverage rather than leading to actual closure.
Tensions escalated sharply after Israel carried out strikes on targets in Iran the same day, followed by reports of retaliatory missile launches toward Israeli and US-linked sites in the region. An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council is expected to address the situation.
