Iran will block ships from nations and companies involved in U.S. and Israeli attacks from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
This move threatens one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, potentially escalating tensions between Tehran and Western powers during a period of heightened military friction.
Ibrahim Zu al-Fiqari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, the joint high military command in Tehran, announced the policy in a statement on July 13 [1]. He said the measure is intended to deter countries or companies that have benefited from or participated in attacks against Iranian vessels from using the strait for commercial or military purposes.
"We will not allow the ships of these countries and companies to pass through the Strait of Hormuz," Zu al-Fiqari said [2].
The announcement follows a series of warnings from the Iranian military. On July 2 [3], the joint high military command issued a prior warning to the U.S. against any interference in the management of the strait.
Zu al-Fiqari said that the Iranian armed forces would not permit any U.S. intervention in the administration of the waterway [4]. The strategic corridor connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the open sea, serving as a primary route for global energy exports.
Tehran's stance appears to be a direct response to recent military actions by the U.S. and Israel. By targeting the logistics of those involved in these operations, Iran is leveraging its geographical control over the strait to create economic and strategic pressure.
“"We will not allow the ships of these countries and companies to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,"”
By threatening to restrict maritime traffic based on political and military affiliations, Iran is shifting from conventional defense to economic warfare. If implemented, these restrictions could disrupt global oil markets and force international shipping companies to seek costly alternatives or risk seizure, effectively turning the Strait of Hormuz into a tool for geopolitical leverage against the U.S. and Israel.
