Iran announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessel traffic on June 10, 2026 [1].
This action threatens global energy security and maritime trade by blocking a critical chokepoint that links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. The closure follows a surge in tensions between the two nations after recent U.S. strikes on Iranian territory [2].
The announcement was issued by Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) and the country's top joint military command [1]. The authorities said that the waterway is completely closed to all vessels until further notice [3]. Vessels that currently hold permits have been told to remain patient and await further instructions [2].
Iran said that any ship attempting to pass through the strait will be fired upon [2]. This directive serves as a direct response to the latest U.S. attacks and the resulting heightened tensions [4].
While official Iranian sources said the closure remains in effect until further notice [1], some experts suggest the blockade could last three months [5]. Such a duration would set a dangerous precedent for maritime law, and international diplomacy in the region [5].
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most sensitive strategic waterways in the world. The decision to target any vessel attempting passage marks a significant escalation in the military posture of the PGSA and the joint military command [2].
“The Strait of Hormuz is completely closed to all vessel traffic.”
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz creates an immediate crisis for global oil and gas markets, as a significant portion of the world's petroleum passes through this narrow corridor. By threatening to fire upon all vessels, Iran is leveraging its geographical position to exert maximum pressure on the U.S. in response to military strikes, potentially forcing an international diplomatic or military intervention to ensure the freedom of navigation.
