Tehran/New Delhi, June 24: Iran’s Parliament has approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping lane, in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, state-run PressTV reported on Sunday.
The decision, which was announced by Esmaeil Kowsari, a member of the Iranian Majlis (Parliament), follows heightened tensions in the region after U.S. forces struck key nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The final authority on executing the closure lies with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, according to the report.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically important waterways in the world, serving as a maritime chokepoint for nearly one-fifth of global oil trade. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
The potential closure of the strait has raised concerns about global energy supply disruptions, especially for countries highly dependent on oil imports.
India, which imports nearly 80% of its crude oil requirements, is among the countries most vulnerable to such disruptions. However, India’s Petroleum Minister has downplayed the immediate impact of Iran’s move, saying that contingency plans and diversified sourcing would help mitigate any short-term shocks to domestic fuel supply and prices.
Oil markets are closely watching developments in the Gulf, with analysts warning that any sustained disruption to shipping through the Strait could lead to a sharp increase in global crude prices.
The escalation follows a broader deterioration in regional stability after the U.S. strikes and comes amid international calls for de-escalation and renewed diplomatic engagement.
