Global concern has increased due to the news of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil transportation route. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said in a statement that it has received information that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed. According to news agency Reuters, an official of the European Union’s naval mission Aspides said that ships operating in the area are receiving very high frequency radio messages (VHF radio messages) from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, in which it is being said that no ship will pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the official also clarified that Tehran has not formally confirmed any such order. The Strait of Hormuz is considered the world’s most important oil chokepoint. It connects major oil producing Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and UAE with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Iran has been warning in the past that if it is attacked, it can close this narrow waterway. This development has come to light at a time when America and Israel attacked several targets in Iran on Saturday.
In response, Iran launched missile attacks on American military bases in Israel and Gulf countries. US President Donald Trump said that this military operation has been done to eliminate the threat to America’s security and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran has declared these attacks illegal. According to Iran’s state TV Al-Alam, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei may address the nation after the attack by America and Israel.
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At the same time, Islamic Revolutionary Guards commander Ibrahim Jabbari has warned America and Israel that Iran has so far used only its ‘junk missiles’ and will give a strong response with very dangerous missiles. Meanwhile, there have been reports of explosions in many oil producing countries of the Gulf. These countries have claimed that their air defense systems intercepted the missiles fired by Iran. The increasing tension over the Strait of Hormuz could have a profound impact on global energy markets and maritime trade.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
It is one of the most important and strategic waterways in the world. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The Strait of Hormuz is bordered by Iran to the north and Oman (Musandam Peninsula) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the south. The width of this reservoir at its narrowest point is approximately 33-39 kilometers (about 21 miles). This is the world’s largest oil choke point. In recent years (2023–2025), about 25% of the world’s seaborne oil trade and 20% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
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Most of the oil exports from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Iran take place from here. If this waterway is completely closed, global oil prices could skyrocket. This is a big weapon for Iran, but Iran’s oil exports also take place through this waterway, so it may be difficult to keep it closed for a long time. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz can also affect countries like India, because oil import and export from Gulf countries will be affected.
What will be its impact on India?
India imports a large part of its crude oil from Gulf countries. Supply will decrease if the Hormuz route is disrupted. Since it is an important waterway for the world, its closure will increase international crude oil prices, due to which petrol and diesel can become expensive. Due to cost of fuel, transport, food and industry costs will increase. Due to increase in the cost of importing crude oil, there will be pressure on the current account deficit. The rupee may weaken due to increasing import expenses. Adopting an alternative route will make shipping expensive and business will be affected. India can use its Strategic Petroleum Reserve in case of emergency, but closure of this route for a long time will increase the risk. Prolonged closure of Hormuz could pose a serious challenge to India’s energy security, inflation and economic stability.
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