Strait of Hormuz: A Critical Flashpoint Amid Rising Tensions

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, has become a focal point in escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.

Recent developments have heightened concerns about the potential disruption of oil flow through this critical chokepoint. On June 22, 2025, Iran's parliament endorsed a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan[1]. The U.S. operation, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, aimed to neutralize Iran's nuclear capabilities[2].

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage for global oil trade, with about 30% of the world's seaborne oil shipments passing through it[1]. Disruptions here could severely impact countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, which heavily rely on oil exports from the region[2].

The situation remains volatile as Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei must approve any decision to close the strait. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, aware of the potential economic and geopolitical repercussions of such an action[1].