Iran Parliament Votes to Block Strait of Hormuz, Oil Prices Surge

Iran's parliament has approved a motion to close the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, though the final decision rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The strait is a vital chokepoint for global energy supplies, with about 20-25% of the world's oil and natural gas passing through it daily, meaning a blockade could cause a significant surge in global oil prices and disrupt shipments from key Gulf countries to Asia, Europe, and beyond. Experts warn that Iran would likely use a multi-layered asymmetric strategy, including naval mines and anti-ship missiles, rather than a straightforward blockade, but any attempt to block the strait would face strong military resistance from the U.S. and allied navies patrolling the area. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have condemned the potential closure as a “suicidal” move that would provoke a global backlash and severely impact not only the U.S. but also countries heavily reliant on Gulf oil, such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea. While Iran controls the northern side of the strait, Oman controls the south, and closing the strait would also harm Iran economically by cutting off its own oil exports. The situation remains tense as the international community watches for the Supreme National Security Council's final ruling, with the potential for significant geopolitical and economic consequences.