Iran Shuts Strait of Hormuz: Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed Monday, with Revolutionary Guards vowing to ignite any enemy ship daring passage through the world’s top oil route. IRGC adviser Brigadier General Sardar Ebrahim Jabbari issued the fiery warning after three days of punishing US-Israeli strikes on Tehran, promising no drop of oil would escape the region. The move threatens 20% of global crude flows, already sparking oil price surges amid tanker fires and missile barrages rocking the Gulf.
Iran Closes Hormuz Second Time in Weeks
Brigadier General Sardar Ebrahim Jabbari, IRGC commander adviser, laid down the law with stark words. “Strait of Hormuz is closed,” he declared. “Anyone who wants to pass, our self-sacrificing heroes in the IRGC Navy and the Army will set those ships on fire.” He urged foes to stay away, vowing zero oil exports. This marks Iran’s second shutdown in weeks, after February 18 drills threatened US warships in the Gulf. Tehran controls the narrow waterway, making the threat real despite risks of massive US naval retaliation. The US already claims 11 Iranian warships sunk.
What Tanker Attacks Fueled the Hormuz Shutdown?
Satellite images captured smoke pouring from an Iranian oil tanker hit Monday near Bandar Abbas port, left burning in the strait. Iran claimed a US-allied fuel tanker ignited Sunday from IRGC drone strikes. Vessels faced hits from both sides since President Trump’s February 28 strikes aimed at toppling leadership. Iran fired missile waves at US bases in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman in revenge. Ocean Network Express CEO Jeremy Nixon noted 10% of global container ships now trapped, strangling trade routes already stretched thin.
Why Could Hormuz Closure Backfire on Iran?
The strait funnels one-fifth of world oil, sending Brent crude up 6.7% to $77.74 a barrel and US crude 6.3% to $71.23 Monday. Closing it halts Tehran’s own exports too, potentially crippling its economy in a self-inflicted wound. US naval power looms large—any blockade sparks air and sea fury. Natural gas prices climb after a key Europe supplier halted LNG output from war fallout, hiking winter heating costs. Analysts warn $100 oil looms if clashes drag, though past Mideast flares faded without total crash.
FAQs
Q: What did IRGC adviser Jabbari say exactly?
A: Strait closed; IRGC Navy Army will burn any passing ships, block all oil.
Q: How much world oil uses Hormuz?
A: About 20%; Iran’s second closure in weeks after Feb 18.
Q: Oil price jumps Monday?
A: Brent to $77.74 up 6.7%; US crude $71.23 up 6.3%.
Q: Recent ship hits reported?
A: Iranian tanker burned near Bandar Abbas; US-allied tanker via IRGC drone.
Q: US response capability?
A: Destroyed 11 Iranian warships; full naval air retaliation likely.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
