Tehran: In a move that could have far reaching consequences, Iran’s parliament has voted unanimously to block the Strait of Hormuz. This is in response to the US air strike on three nuclear sites in Iran.
The final decision on the Strait’s closure now rests with Iran’s supreme National Security Council. The US has said that any move to close the Strait of Hormuz will be considered an attempt to escalate the situation. Reports, however, suggest that Iran’s naval forces, including coastal missile batteries have been put on high alert and are preparing to enforce a potential block.
Nearly 20% of the world’s oil moves through the Strait of Hormuz and its closure could trigger a global crisis.
Iranian lawmakers have called this decision a ‘defensive strategic necessity’ after the US air strikes. Tehran has said that any nation that violates its national waters will face the consequences as Iran’s military prepares to enforce the closure.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. It is only 21 miles at its narrowest point, making it a strategic choke point.
The wave of global condemnation against the US strike on Iran has strengthened Iran’s resolve to continue with the conflict with Israel. The closure of the Strait can bring in more Gulf countries into the conflict.
