By Ginika Igboke
Iran has warned it will completely shut down the Strait of Hormuz if the United States proceeds with planned strikes on its energy infrastructure, dramatically raising the stakes in an already volatile regional conflict.
The warning was issued on March 22 by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, following a sharp ultimatum from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had declared a day earlier that the U.S. military would “hit and obliterate” Iran’s power plants—beginning with its largest facilities—if Tehran failed to reopen the strategic waterway within 48 hours and guarantee safe passage.
The escalation came as Trump suggested the United States was nearing its military objectives in the region and could soon begin winding down operations after nearly four weeks of conflict. However, his latest warning signaled a willingness to intensify pressure if Iran continues to restrict maritime traffic.
In response, the Revolutionary Guard issued a stark statement: “The Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed and will not be opened until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt.” The group also warned that any companies with U.S. ties could be targeted and that energy infrastructure in countries hosting U.S. military bases would be considered legitimate targets.
Iran further threatened to expand the conflict by striking energy and water facilities in neighboring Gulf states if U.S. attacks proceed, raising fears of a broader regional confrontation.
Strategic Waterway at the Center of Global Energy Supply
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through the narrow corridor linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Any sustained disruption to traffic through the strait has immediate and far-reaching consequences for global markets.
Although the United States imports only a small portion of its oil through the strait, major economies—including China, India, and Japan—depend heavily on energy supplies transported through the route.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the strait remains open “to all except those who violate [Iranian] soil,” though in practice Iran has imposed restrictions requiring vessels to seek explicit clearance, effectively limiting free passage.
Oil Markets React to Growing Uncertainty
The disruption has already triggered significant volatility in global energy markets. Brent crude oil surged to more than $112 per barrel by the morning of March 22, with Iranian officials warning prices could climb as high as $200 per barrel if the conflict continues.
Shipping disruptions and security risks have left vessels stranded or rerouted, contributing to supply concerns and forcing several countries to tap into strategic reserves to stabilize domestic markets.
Japan, which relies on the strait for approximately 90 percent of its oil imports, is among the nations most vulnerable to prolonged disruption.
International Response and Potential Military Involvement
Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s foreign minister, said his country could consider deploying its military for mine-clearing operations in the strait if a cease-fire is reached between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
“If there were to be a complete ceasefire, hypothetically speaking, then things like mine-sweeping could come up,” Motegi said, emphasizing that safe navigation through the waterway is essential for global stability. However, he noted that Japan has no immediate plans to negotiate passage for stranded vessels.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that limited arrangements for certain countries may still be possible, suggesting that diplomatic channels remain partially open despite the escalating rhetoric.
Growing Coalition Seeks to Secure Passage
Amid the uncertainty, the United Arab Emirates has joined more than 20 countries in pledging support for efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait. In a joint statement released on March 21, the nations expressed readiness to contribute to coordinated measures aimed at maintaining the flow of global trade and energy supplies.
“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” the statement read, highlighting growing international concern over the economic and security implications of a prolonged blockade.
As tensions continue to rise, the Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of a high-stakes geopolitical standoff—one with the potential to reshape global energy markets and draw additional nations into the conflict.
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