Iranian military spokesman Major General Mohammad Bagheri declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all vessels on July 11 [1].
This closure threatens one of the world's most vital oil transit chokepoints, risking global energy price spikes and escalating a direct military confrontation between Iran and the U.S.
Bagheri said the decision follows a strike by an "unauthorised vessel" against an Iranian asset [1]. The move comes amid a period of heightened tension and increasing U.S. strikes on Iranian positions [2].
"The Strait of Hormuz is closed to all vessels. Any ship that attempts to pass will be met with force," Bagheri said [1]. He said to state media, "We will not tolerate any aggression against our ships or our waters" [2].
The situation has already seen an escalation in naval hostilities. Reports indicate that Iran has attacked two tankers [3]. While some reports suggest the shipping lane continued to operate as a free-trade route despite the declaration, the Iranian military maintains its stance on the closure [1].
Financial tensions have also surfaced regarding the transit of goods. President Trump announced a 20% fee on shipping through the Strait [4] — though other reports indicate the administration later backed off the plan to charge tolls [5].
Major General Bagheri's statement marks a significant shift in the regional security posture. By threatening force against all passing vessels, Iran has moved from targeted seizures to a blanket blockade of the Gulf of Oman region [1, 2].
“"The Strait of Hormuz is closed to all vessels. Any ship that attempts to pass will be met with force,"”
The declaration of a closure in the Strait of Hormuz serves as a strategic lever for Iran to pressure the U.S. and international community. Because a significant percentage of the world's petroleum passes through this narrow waterway, any sustained blockade or increase in naval skirmishes could trigger a global economic shock and force a direct military intervention by Western powers to ensure the freedom of navigation.
