Tehran, Iran – Iran asserted Wednesday it has established “total control” over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a claim made as tensions escalate following recent U.S.-Israel military actions against Iranian targets and subsequent retaliatory strikes. The move has sent ripples through global energy markets and prompted warnings from international naval forces, raising fears of a wider conflict that could disrupt a critical waterway for oil and gas shipments. The Strait of Hormuz crisis, which began February 28, 2026, following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, continues to unfold.
The Iranian assertion comes amid reports of increased naval activity in the region and warnings issued to commercial vessels. Several tanker owners, oil majors, and trading houses have already suspended shipments of crude oil, fuel, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the strait, according to Reuters. Satellite imagery shows a buildup of vessels near ports like Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, awaiting further developments.
The U.S. And Israel launched a major attack on Iran Saturday, and the situation remains highly volatile. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly issued directives prohibiting vessel passage through the strait, effectively halting shipping traffic. According to the EU naval mission Aspides, vessels in the area have received VHF transmissions from the IRGC stating, “no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz.”
Disruption to Global Energy Supplies
The Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint of global significance, with approximately 20% of the world’s daily oil supply and substantial volumes of LNG passing through it. Producers such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, and Iran all rely on the strait for exports, as does Qatar for its LNG shipments. The current disruption has already impacted tanker traffic, which initially dropped by approximately 70% and has now approached zero, with over 150 ships anchoring outside the strait to avoid potential risks.
Oil and gas prices have surged in response to the escalating tensions. Brent crude rose by up to 13% to US$82 per barrel, with fears mounting that prolonged supply shortages could push prices toward $100 per barrel, according to Wikipedia. Fourteen LNG tankers have slowed down, altered course, or stopped in or around the strait, potentially jeopardizing Qatari LNG exports, as reported by consultancy Kpler.
International Response and Warnings
Even as Iran claims “total control,” international naval forces are advising caution. The UK Navy has stated that Iran’s orders are not legally binding but has advised vessels to transit with caution. The U.S. Navy has warned against navigation in the Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz, stating it cannot guarantee the safety of shipping. Greece’s shipping ministry has also advised vessels to avoid the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz.
The tanker association INTERTANKO has echoed these concerns, and multiple vessels have reported receiving warnings from the IRGC. Four seafarers have been killed and three tankers damaged since the crisis began, as detailed in the Wikipedia entry on the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Background to the Crisis
The current crisis stems from escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. These tensions have been building due to failed nuclear negotiations in Geneva and a prior 12-day air conflict in 2025. The recent joint military strikes by the U.S. And Israel, which included the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, served as the immediate catalyst for Iran’s retaliatory actions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
In response to the strikes, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory and U.S. Military bases in Gulf states. This escalation has significantly heightened the risk of a broader regional conflict, with potentially devastating consequences for global energy markets and international security.
Stakeholders Affected
- Global Oil and Gas Markets: Disruption to supply chains and price volatility.
- Shipping Companies: Increased risks and costs associated with rerouting vessels.
- Energy-Dependent Nations: Potential economic impacts from higher energy prices.
- Regional Stability: Increased risk of a wider conflict involving multiple actors.
What’s Next?
The situation remains fluid and unpredictable. The immediate focus is on de-escalation and securing the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic efforts are underway, but the prospects for a swift resolution remain uncertain. The next key development will likely be a response from the United States and Israel to Iran’s actions, and further assessments of the impact on global energy supplies. For official updates and advisories, mariners are advised to consult the websites of the U.S. Navy, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Here’s a developing story. Check back for updates.
