In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s parliament has voted in favor of closing the Strait of Hormuz — a critical maritime chokepoint through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply flows. The move comes in direct response to recent U.S. military airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, which Tehran has described as an act of aggression.
A senior Iranian lawmaker announced on Sunday that members of the Majlis (Iran’s parliament) reached a consensus during a closed-door session to shut down the strategic waterway. The decision, he said, was prompted not only by Washington’s military actions but also by what Iran views as the alarming silence of the international community.
“This is a national security matter. We will not allow hostile powers to threaten Iran’s sovereignty without facing consequences,” the lawmaker stated. He emphasized that the measure reflects Iran’s resolve to defend its territorial integrity and deter future military provocations.
While the parliamentary vote marks a strong political message, the final decision on implementing the closure rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council — the country’s highest authority on matters of defense and foreign policy, chaired by the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A Global Chokepoint Under Threat
The Strait of Hormuz, located at the southern end of the Persian Gulf, is widely regarded as the most strategically important maritime passage in the world. Roughly 17 to 18 million barrels of oil — approximately one-fifth of global daily oil consumption — transit through the narrow strait each day. It serves as a lifeline for oil exports from key producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and of course, Iran itself.
Any disruption to traffic in the strait could send shockwaves through global energy markets, causing oil prices to skyrocket and potentially triggering broader economic instability. The United States and its allies have long warned Iran against any attempt to block the waterway, describing it as an act of war.
Rising Regional Tensions
The vote follows a week of heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, after the U.S. launched coordinated airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — in what American officials called a preemptive strike to halt Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Iran has vowed to retaliate, warning that any further aggression will be met with “strategic surprises.”
Experts say the parliamentary decision to close the Strait may be symbolic for now but serves as a serious warning of what could come next. “This move is Iran flexing its geopolitical muscle,” said Dr. Farid Modarresi, a Tehran-based political analyst. “Even if the strait is not immediately closed, the mere threat sends a clear signal to the West that Iran still holds powerful cards.”
As the world watches closely, diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway behind the scenes to de-escalate the situation. However, with military assets mobilizing in the Gulf and rhetoric growing more heated, the region stands at a dangerous crossroads.
