A senior security official said that the Strait of Hormuz — the strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the outside world — remains closed until further notice. The statement comes amid rising regional tensions that have rattled oil prices and global financial markets.
The strait, situated between Iran and Oman, serves as the gateway for about 20% of the world's oil consumption, equivalent to more than 20 million barrels per day. A prolonged closure could severely disrupt energy supply chains, affecting major importers including China, India, Japan, and South Korea.
Analysts suggest the move may be part of a negotiating strategy aimed at applying pressure in regional talks, but it also carries the risk of military escalation. Several nations, including the United States and its allies, have intensified naval patrols in the vicinity, ready to respond to any unexpected developments.
No official announcement has yet been made regarding a reopening timeline or the specific conditions required to resume maritime traffic. Shipping companies and marine insurers are closely monitoring the situation while considering alternatives such as overland routes or oil pipelines.
Iranian authorities have previously warned they would tighten control over the strait if threatened, but have not made new comments on the current closure. Many experts believe this is a probing move, and the situation could change quickly in the coming days.
