Iran has warned that it may shut down the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz if the United States does not lift its blockade on Iranian ports, escalating tensions in the Gulf region.
The warning came from Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who said Tehran would determine the future of maritime traffic in the narrow waterway based on developments on the ground rather than statements made on social media.
In a post on the social platform X on Friday, Ghalibaf criticized recent remarks by Donald Trump, claiming that several of his posts were “false,” although he did not specify which ones.
“Hormuz being open or closed, and under what conditions ships may pass, will be decided in the field, not on social media,” Ghalibaf stated. He added that vessels would only be allowed to transit through designated routes and with Iran’s authorization.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global energy supplies passes. Any disruption could have immediate and far-reaching consequences for international oil markets and global trade.
The latest remarks underscore growing friction between Iran and the United States, particularly over sanctions and maritime security in the Gulf. Analysts warn that any move to block the strait could sharply escalate regional tensions and trigger a broader economic impact worldwide.
