Iran Warns Ships Against Transiting Strait of Hormuz

In the most serious escalation in years, vessels operating in the Gulf have received radio communications from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stating that “no ship is permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” according to the European Union’s naval mission.

The EU maritime mission EUNAVFOR Aspides said Saturday that ships in the region reported receiving the warnings, Reuters reported.

Britain’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also confirmed it had received multiple reports from vessels in the Gulf about messages indicating the closure of the strategic waterway.

There has been no official confirmation from Tehran.

The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint, with roughly 20% of globally traded seaborne crude passing through its narrow waters. The corridor connects major Gulf producers, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Any sustained disruption would have immediate and far-reaching consequences for global energy markets, shipping insurance rates and regional security.

An official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said Iran has not formally declared the strait closed. Tehran has repeatedly threatened over the years to block the passage in response to military or economic pressure, but has never fully executed such a move.

Energy traders and maritime operators are closely monitoring developments, particularly after recent strikes on Iran heightened fears of broader regional conflict. Even the perception of restricted access to the strait could drive oil prices sharply higher and trigger precautionary rerouting by shipping companies.