An Iranian lawmaker says Tehran is considering closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The Strait lies between Oman and Iran, and is the world's most important gateway for oil shipping.

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Middle East Conflict

An Iranian lawmaker has indicated that Tehran is weighing the possibility of closing the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through which about a fifth of the world's oil and gas is transported. The strait's strategic importance has made it a focal point for geopolitical tensions, with Iran having previously threatened its closure.

Analysts warn that any attempt to block the strait would likely provoke a strong response from the United States, disrupt Iran's own trade, and risk damaging relations with key partners such as China. Closure would also have severe global economic repercussions, including surging oil prices and energy shortages, particularly in Europe. However, experts highlight that international law designates the Strait of Hormuz as an international strait, making its closure legally difficult.

Iran considering closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most vital shipping arteries in the world. Stretching just 55 kilometers between Iran and Oman, a fifth of the world's oil and gas pass through this narrow waterway, some 18 to 19 million barrels a day. Due to its economic importance, the Strait has often been a hotspot for geopolitical tensions, with Iran repeatedly threatening its closure over the years. But any blockade of the trade route would spell significant consequences for Iran. Such a move would almost certainly invoke retaliation from the United States, which has naval military assets in the region. It would also complicate Iran's access to commercial goods, and risk alienating Iran's foreign partners like China, which imports significant amounts of Iranian oil. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz would also be bad news for the world economy. Global oil prices would spike, and Europe could face energy shortages, especially in countries dependent on Middle Eastern fuel. It would also disrupt industries across Europe, including manufacturing, transport and agriculture, but also delay imports of raw materials and consumer goods. But analysts say that closing such a key shipping route would be near impossible under international law, as a UN convention stipulates that Hormuz is an international strait, where the right of transit cannot be suspended.

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Iran considering closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz

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