By Ginika Igboke
Iran has warned it will fully shut down the Strait of Hormuz if Donald Trump follows through on threats to strike Iranian energy infrastructure, according to a March 22 statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Trump had issued a 48-hour ultimatum on March 21, demanding that Tehran reopen the critical waterway “without threat.” He warned that failure to comply would result in U.S. military strikes on Iran’s power grid, stating that forces would “hit and obliterate” key facilities, beginning with the largest power plants.
The warning came as Trump indicated the United States was nearing its military objectives in the region and could consider winding down operations as the conflict entered its fourth week.
Iran Signals Total Closure and Broader Retaliation
In response, the Revolutionary Guard declared that the Strait of Hormuz would be “completely closed” until any damaged Iranian energy infrastructure is rebuilt. The group also issued sweeping threats of retaliation, stating that companies with U.S. ties could be targeted and that energy facilities in countries hosting American military bases would be considered legitimate targets.
Iran further escalated its rhetoric by warning it could strike energy and water infrastructure in neighboring Gulf states if U.S. attacks proceed.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the strait remains open only to those who do not violate Iran’s territorial boundaries, reinforcing Tehran’s position that access is now conditional.
Global Energy Markets Feel Immediate Impact
Although only a small share of U.S. oil imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway is critical to global energy supply. Roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows through the narrow passage, making any disruption highly consequential.
Since Iran effectively restricted transit for vessels lacking explicit clearance, global energy markets have experienced significant volatility. Brent crude prices surged to over $112 per barrel by March 22, with Iranian officials warning prices could climb as high as $200 if the conflict continues.
Major Asian economies—including China, India, and Japan—are particularly vulnerable, as they depend heavily on energy shipments passing through the strait.
Japan Weighs Potential Security Role
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on March 22 that Japan could consider deploying its military for mine-clearing operations in the strait, but only in the event of a cease-fire.
“If a ceasefire were established and naval mines were obstructing passage, that would be something to consider,” he said, emphasizing that such discussions remain hypothetical.
Motegi also stressed the importance of ensuring safe passage for all vessels, though he noted that Japan currently has no immediate plans to negotiate transit arrangements for stranded ships.
Earlier discussions between Motegi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reportedly touched on the possibility of allowing Japanese-linked vessels to pass safely, highlighting the urgency of the situation for energy-dependent nations.
Japan, which relies on the strait for about 90 percent of its oil imports, has already begun tapping into strategic reserves alongside other countries affected by the disruption.
International Efforts to Restore Shipping Lanes
Amid rising tensions, the United Arab Emirates joined more than 20 nations in pledging support for efforts to secure maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a joint statement released on March 21, participating countries expressed readiness to contribute to initiatives aimed at ensuring safe passage, signaling growing international concern over the escalating crisis.
As threats and counterthreats continue, the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of the broader conflict, with far-reaching implications for global trade, energy markets, and regional stability.
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