Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz, Halts Vessel Traffic Amid Rising Tensions
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important maritime routes for oil transportation. An official from the European Union’s naval mission EUNAVFOR Aspides said that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced that “no vessels will be allowed to pass through Hormuz.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical routes for global oil exports. A large portion of exports from major oil-producing countries in the Gulf region is transported through this strait. Countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and United Arab Emirates send oil to various parts of the world via this route.
This narrow maritime passage connects the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said that Iran has not formally issued any directive regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has long warned that if it comes under any form of attack, it would close the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Reuters
