GROK:
Reports indicate that on June 22, 2025, the Iranian Parliament voted unanimously to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil trade route, in response to U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. However, the decision is not final and requires approval from Iran's Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Some sources, including Iranian state media, have not confirmed immediate closure, and one report suggests claims of an imminent closure may be rumors, as no official Iranian media has quoted the IRGC Navy commander on this matter. Iran has also been reported to be engaging in GPS jamming in the strait, affecting over 1,000 vessels daily, as an alternative to physical closure.
A closure, if implemented, could disrupt 15-20% of global oil and over 30% of liquefied natural gas trade, potentially causing a sharp rise in global energy prices. However, analysts note that a complete closure is unlikely due to Iran's partial control of the strait, U.S. naval presence, and economic risks to Iran, including backlash from allies like China and India, who rely heavily on the strait for energy imports. Historically, Iran has threatened closure but never fully shut the strait, even during the Iran-Iraq War.
There are conflicting reports, with some sources claiming the strait is already closed, while others, including maritime trackers, indicate traffic continues. Given the lack of confirmation from official Iranian channels and the strategic complexity, the situation remains uncertain.