Iran has said that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, despite ongoing military tensions in the region, according to a report from Bloomberg TV citing an Iranian military official.
The official stated that Iran has not closed the strategic waterway and that vessels transiting the strait are being handled in accordance with international maritime protocols.
Key global oil chokepoint under scrutiny
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, with around 20% of global oil shipments and significant LNG volumes passing through the narrow waterway.
Any disruption to the route can have a major impact on global energy markets, shipping costs, and oil prices.
The clarification from the Iranian military comes amid heightened fears that the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States could lead to a complete shutdown of the strait.
Shipping traffic heavily disrupted
While Iran has denied formally closing the waterway, commercial shipping activity has been severely disrupted in recent days.
Reports indicate that many oil tankers and cargo vessels have either halted transit or diverted routes, as insurers withdrew war-risk coverage and ship operators avoided the area due to security concerns.
The disruption has effectively slowed traffic through the strait, even though an official closure has not been declared.
Threats and warnings heightened tensions
Recent warnings from Iranian military and Revolutionary Guard officials had raised fears that the strait could be shut.
Some statements broadcast on Iranian media suggested ships attempting to pass could face attacks, contributing to the perception that the corridor was becoming increasingly dangerous.
However, Iranian officials have also indicated earlier that Tehran does not intend to formally block the route, maintaining that maritime activity would continue under international rules.
Global markets closely monitoring developments
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to global energy security, linking major oil producers in the Gulf with markets in Asia, Europe and beyond.
With tensions continuing in the region, energy markets and governments are closely monitoring developments, as any further escalation could significantly affect oil supply chains and global commodity prices.