Iran Asserts Control Over Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions with US
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has declared that it holds complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s oil is transported. This assertion comes amid escalating tensions, as U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a readiness to deploy the U.S. Navy to ensure the safe passage of oil tankers through the strait.
IRGC Navy official Mohammad Akbarzadeh announced on Wednesday that the strait is fully under the control of Iran’s naval forces, according to a report by Iran’s Fars news agency. This development occurs in the context of a broader conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which has significantly disrupted global supply chains.
Despite the IRGC's claim of control, a Reuters report noted that an oil tanker named Pola managed to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz to reach a port in the United Arab Emirates. The tanker had switched off its AIS tracker before entering the strait and reappeared near Abu Dhabi, suggesting some level of continued maritime activity despite the tensions.
The conflict has led to the closure of the strait to shipping and the grounding of air cargo flights in the Middle East, further complicating the global supply chain. Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi reported from Tehran that the IRGC claimed it was impossible for ships to pass through and that more than 10 oil tankers had been targeted.
Clarksons Research, which monitors shipping data, estimated that approximately 3,200 ships are currently idle in the Gulf, including about 1,230 that likely operate solely within the Gulf. Meanwhile, around 500 ships are waiting in ports off the coasts of the UAE and Oman.
The disruption has caused Brent crude prices to surge to over $82 a barrel, marking a more than 13% increase since the conflict began and reaching the highest levels since July 2024. In response, President Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. Navy would soon begin escorting tankers through the strait, emphasizing the United States' commitment to ensuring the free flow of energy worldwide.
In light of the closure, Pakistan has sought alternative routes for its energy imports. The Ministry of Energy of Pakistan announced that it has requested Saudi Arabia to reroute oil supplies through the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Saudi Arabian sources have assured the security of supplies through this alternative route, and a vessel has been arranged to transport crude to Pakistan. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation to maintain the continuity of energy supplies.
As the situation develops, the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue to impact global energy markets and international relations, with potential implications for oil prices and supply chains worldwide.