Iran’s parliament has voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil trade routes, in response to recent airstrikes by the United States on its nuclear facilities.
This decision was made public on Sunday, June 22, by Iranian lawmaker Esmaeil Kowsari, who said the parliament had reached a common agreement on the move. However, he added that the final decision will be made by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
The vote comes just days after American warplanes reportedly bombed three of Iran’s nuclear sites, Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—causing a serious rise in tension between both countries. While the U.S. said the strikes were meant to stop nuclear threats, Iran has condemned them, calling the attacks an act of aggression.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage that connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is responsible for about 20 percent of the world’s oil trade. Around 17 to 18 million barrels of oil pass through it every day.
If Iran goes ahead with closing the strait, it could seriously affect global oil prices and supply, especially for countries like India that rely heavily on imported oil.
As of now, the United States has said it does not plan any further attacks, and has sent a message to Iran through diplomatic channels that it is not seeking regime change.
However, with Iran now preparing to possibly close one of the world’s most critical oil routes, tension in the Middle East remains very high. The global community is watching closely, as any move to block the strait could lead to a wider crisis affecting international trade and fuel prices.
