Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to maritime traffic and that no oil or gas exports will leave the region, following new US airstrikes on military targets in the country.
The warning, issued by Tehran after the evening strikes, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and directly threatens one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
The threat to block the strait, through which roughly a fifth of global oil consumption passes, introduces severe disruption risk to global energy flows.
Markets are likely to price in heightened supply constraints as traders assess the credibility and duration of the blockade.
Brent crude and shipping insurance premiums are expected to face upward pressure as the immediate risk to tanker routes intensifies.
This development follows a series of escalating statements from Iranian military branches.