Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all vessels on Thursday [1].

The move threatens one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, risking a severe disruption to global energy markets and international shipping lanes.

The IRGC announced the closure and said it would target ships attempting to pass through the waterway [1]. This escalation follows new self-defense strikes launched by the United States against Iranian targets [1], [2].

U.S. forces said they shot down two Iranian drones that were targeting shipping traffic in the region [3]. Some reports indicate that these events were accompanied by heavy clashes and an exchange of fire between U.S. forces and IRGC naval units in the strait [1].

Other reports focus specifically on the drone interceptions without confirming broader naval engagements [3]. The IRGC said the closure is a direct response to the U.S. military actions [1], [2].

The Strait of Hormuz serves as the primary artery for oil exports from the Persian Gulf. Any prolonged closure or increase in kinetic activity in the area typically leads to immediate volatility in crude oil prices, and increased insurance costs for commercial shipping [2].

“The IRGC announced the closure and said it would target ships attempting to pass through the waterway.”

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz represents a significant escalation in the direct military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran. Because a vast majority of the world's liquefied natural gas and oil passes through this narrow corridor, the threat of targeting commercial vessels creates a high risk of global economic instability and may force international maritime agencies to reroute traffic, further increasing global shipping costs.