Iran announced it has sole control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz for the next 30 days [1].
The move targets one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. Because approximately 20% [3] of the world's oil passes through the strait, any disruption to traffic threatens global energy markets, and international trade stability.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has sole control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for the next 30 days [1]. A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said any unauthorized passage through the waterway will be illegal [2].
Iranian officials said the decision is intended to protect national sovereignty. They also cited the need to respond to regional tensions and what they described as a fragile cease-fire with the U.S. [2].
While Tehran asserts total authority, reports on the actual flow of traffic vary. Some sources indicate that the strait is not completely closed and that Iran appears to be letting a handful of vessels through every day [4].
The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow waterway located between Iran and Oman [2]. The current restrictions were announced in early April 2026 [2].
“"Any unauthorised passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be illegal."”
This assertion of control serves as a geopolitical lever for Iran, allowing it to signal its capability to disrupt global oil supplies during diplomatic frictions with the U.S. By designating unauthorized passage as illegal, Tehran increases the legal and physical risks for commercial shipping, potentially forcing international insurers to raise premiums and pressuring global powers to negotiate on Iranian terms.
