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The Strait Of Hormuz: Has Iran Ever Closed The World's Most Critical Oil Route?
Last Updated: For decades, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz. As tensions with Israel hit new highs, the question returns: Has it ever done it? And what happens if it does now? For over half a century, the Strait of Hormuz has served as the world's most vital energy corridor. Connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, this narrow waterway, just 21 nautical miles wide at its tightest point, is the main transit route for oil and gas exports from some of the most energy-rich nations on the planet. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, and the UAE all depend on it to get their crude to global markets. According to data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), nearly 20–21 million barrels of oil pass through the strait every single day, roughly a fifth of the world's daily consumption. It is also a key route for liquefied natural gas (LNG), especially from Qatar. Any disruption here doesn't just rattle West Asia; it shakes energy markets across the globe. And yet, despite decades of political brinkmanship, proxy wars, sanctions, drone attacks and naval showdowns, the Strait of Hormuz has never once been fully shut in modern history. Has The Strait Ever Been Closed? No. But It Has Come Close One of the most persistent myths about West Asia's conflicts is that Iran has previously blocked the Strait of Hormuz. While it is true that Tehran has repeatedly threatened to do so, sometimes in response to sanctions, sometimes as political posturing, it has never followed through. During the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s, both sides launched attacks on oil tankers in what became known as the 'Tanker War." Iran mined parts of the Gulf and used fast-attack boats to target Kuwaiti and Saudi tankers. Iraq retaliated with missile strikes. The conflict led the United States to intervene, reflagging Kuwaiti tankers and escorting them with US warships under Operation Earnest Will. Several ships were damaged, some sunk, and global oil prices spiked. But crucially, the Strait remained open throughout, battered but not blocked. In 2011 and 2012, Iran once again threatened to close the Strait in response to European and American sanctions targeting its oil exports and banking system. Senior Iranian officials, including then-Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi, warned of a complete shutdown if oil sanctions were enforced. Western powers responded swiftly, dispatching naval forces to the region. The United States, the UK and France conducted high-visibility naval exercises, making it clear that any attempt to blockade Hormuz would provoke military retaliation. Iran, ultimately, did not escalate further. More recently, in 2019, tensions soared after the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and imposed 'maximum pressure" sanctions on Tehran. Iran was blamed for attacks on tankers near the Strait and was caught seizing a British-flagged oil tanker, the Stena Impero. A US surveillance drone was also shot down by Iranian forces. Once again, fears of closure gripped global markets. Yet even amid these flashpoints, the Strait remained navigable. Why Has It Never Been Fully Shut? Iran's threats to block the Strait have historically served as a geopolitical lever — a way to raise the stakes without firing the first shot. But a full closure has always been a risky gambit, not least because it would come at a huge cost to Iran itself. About 90 per cent of Iran's oil exports also pass through the Strait. Blocking it would strangle its own economy, already crippled by sanctions, and isolate it further. Moreover, the move would likely be interpreted as an act of war, giving the US and its allies legal and political justification for direct military intervention. With the US Navy's 5th Fleet headquartered in Bahrain, any closure attempt would be met with overwhelming naval force. Diplomatic costs aside, Gulf countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia have also taken measures to reduce vulnerability by building overland pipelines that bypass Hormuz altogether. Though these pipelines don't eliminate dependence entirely, they offer partial mitigation. As a result, Iran's leadership, while often willing to provoke, threaten, or harass shipping, has historically stopped short of a full blockade. So What Makes The Current Crisis Different? The Israel–Iran conflict in 2025 is distinct not because missiles are flying, they've flown before, but because of the scale, openness, and maritime dimension of the escalation. Three developments make this round far more volatile than previous flare-ups. Israel has publicly acknowledged direct strikes on multiple key Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan, and Arak. These aren't isolated incidents or covert sabotage attempts. They are deliberate, declared military actions against some of the most protected and strategically vital components of Iran's nuclear programme. This is a sharp departure from previous Israeli operations. In earlier years, Israel was widely believed to be behind cyberattacks like Stuxnet (2010), mysterious explosions at Natanz (2020), and the assassination of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh (2020), but never formally admitted responsibility. Those were covert, plausibly deniable moves aimed at slowing Iran's nuclear progress without crossing into full-scale war. Record ballistic missile barrages deep into civilian areas While Iran has previously launched missiles, including during escalations in 2024, this round was unprecedented in both scale and intensity. Iranian forces fired hundreds of ballistic missiles, including Sejjil-class and newer variants, toward Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Be'er Sheva. One missile landed on the grounds of Soroka Medical Centre, injuring civilians. The combination of sheer volume, trajectory over densely populated areas, and civilian casualties represents a deliberate escalation meant to pressure the Israeli public. Israel publicly declaring Khamenei a wartime target In a major rhetorical escalation, Israel has shifted from opposing Iran's nuclear ambitions to directly targeting its top leadership. On June 19, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz explicitly declared that ' Khamenei cannot continue to exist," calling him a 'modern Hitler" and blaming him for ordering missile strikes on Israeli civilian infrastructure. Complementing Katz's statement, a Reuters report quoted Israeli officials as saying that the June airstrikes were not just about dismantling Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities, but were also aimed at 'breaking the foundations of Khamenei's rule" and weakening the regime's internal grip on power. This is the first time Israel has publicly identified Ayatollah Khamenei himself as part of its war objectives. Previous conflicts, even at their peak, focused on Iran's weapons programmes or proxy forces. What Happens If The Strait Is Closed, Even Temporarily? Even a temporary disruption to the flow of oil through Hormuz would have serious global repercussions. Energy markets are already jittery. A full blockade could send oil prices soaring past $120–130 per barrel within days. Shipping insurance premiums would spike. LNG supply chains, particularly to Asia, would be severely impacted. Major energy importers like China, Japan, South Korea and India would feel the heat almost immediately. Naval deployments would increase across the board, and the chances of accidental escalation between rival warships or submarines would rise sharply. The US has already repositioned key naval assets in the Gulf, including aircraft carriers and guided missile destroyers. Freight delays, insurance re-pricing, and investor anxiety could together inflict real damage on the global economy. India: Energy Security and Strategic Stakes India imports more than 60 per cent of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, sourcing supplies from key partners such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE. Given this dependency, any prolonged disruption in the strait could affect energy flows and pricing, but Indian officials have sought to project calm amid rising tensions. Speaking to News18, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri offered reassurance, stating: 'Even if everything goes wrong, we have enough oil." He explained that out of the 5.5 million barrels of crude oil India imports daily, around 1.5 million barrels come via the Hormuz route. 'The worry will be if the strait is closed or choked," he noted, adding that 'there are many countries that would not want it to be shut." Puri emphasised that while India is monitoring the situation closely, the Strait of Hormuz has not been closed in the last 50 years, even during high-tension phases. 'I would use the word anxiety, not worry," he said. 'There have been many phases of heightened tensions in the region, but energy does not stop flowing." India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) provide an additional cushion, covering approximately 9–10 days of national demand. Conclusion: A Strait Always On The Brink top videos View all The Strait of Hormuz is more than just a strategic waterway; it is a geopolitical barometer. Its status reflects the tensions in West Asia, and the current indicators are flashing red. While history shows that Iran has never actually closed the Strait, the dynamics in 2025 are markedly different: open hostilities, regional spillover, and the growing likelihood of US intervention. Whether Iran crosses that final line, and whether the world can afford the consequences, remains to be seen. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @ More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Israel-Iran tensions Strait of Hormuz Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 20, 2025, 12:22 IST News explainers The Strait Of Hormuz: Has Iran Ever Closed The World's Most Critical Oil Route?
Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Arab Times
Criminals Steal and Damage Copper Conductors in Jahra Area
KUWAIT CITY, June 20: The Deputy Public Prosecutor has ordered the registration of a felony case following a report filed by a representative of the Ministry of Electricity concerning the theft and extensive damage to high-value copper electrical conductors. The prosecutor also instructed the General Department of Criminal Evidence to dispatch technical experts to examine the crime scene and collect any forensic evidence that may assist in identifying the perpetrators. According to official details, a Kuwaiti citizen born in 1988 appeared at Al-Qashaniya Police Station, presenting a formal mandate from the Ministry of Electricity. He reported that a technical fault had been detected in the ministry's power lines, prompting a team of engineers to be dispatched to the site located on Abdali Road, at kilometer 73 in the direction of Jahra. Upon arrival, the technicians discovered a major act of theft and sabotage. Unknown individuals had stolen and vandalized copper conductors of significant length and value. Specifically, the thieves cut and damaged 280 meters of 100 mm-thick copper conductors, part of a total of 865 meters of cabling affected. Additionally, 649 meters of the same type of copper conductors were found damaged. The assailants also broke and destroyed five wooden utility poles, each 11 meters in height, along with all attached electrical components and accessories. The total market value of the stolen and damaged materials was estimated at 5,270 Kuwaiti dinars. Following the report, the Public Prosecutor's office confirmed the case would be treated as a felony. An official inspection report was filed, and criminal investigation officers have been assigned to begin a full inquiry into the incident.
Arab Times
15 hours ago
- Arab Times
Thieves Use Power Tool to Steal Vehicle Plates
KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Authorities at Al-Mutlaa Police Station have launched a felony investigation following the theft of license plates from a vehicle parked outside a residence. According to a security source, a Kuwaiti citizen born in 1983 reported that an unknown individual removed both the front and rear license plates from his vehicle using an electric cutting tool, causing visible damage to the car in the process. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the victim's home in the Al-Mutlaa area. The complainant stated that there were no surveillance cameras at the scene, making it difficult to immediately identify the suspect. The police have since circulated the stolen plate numbers to patrol units across Kuwait. Security officials emphasized the seriousness of such thefts, noting that stolen license plates are often used in crimes including impersonating law enforcement or carrying out vehicle-based robberies, particularly targeting expatriates. The case has been officially registered as a felony due to the potential criminal misuse of the stolen plates. An investigation is ongoing.
Arab Times
15 hours ago
- Arab Times
Fraudulent Kuwaiti Identity Exposed: Syrian Uncle Posed As Father
KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Kuwaiti security authorities have uncovered a complex case of dual-level citizenship fraud involving a Syrian national and his biological uncle, both of whom had falsely obtained Kuwaiti nationality. According to informed security sources, the investigation was triggered when the General Department of Nationality Affairs received intelligence suggesting a Kuwaiti citizen may have acquired his nationality through fraudulent means, and that his siblings, still residing in Kuwait, were Syrian nationals. Acting swiftly, authorities apprehended the Syrian siblings, including the main suspect, who was caught at Kuwait International Airport while attempting to flee the country. Upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to being illegally added to the nationality file of a Kuwaiti citizen. Further probing revealed that the person who had enabled the fraud — listed in official records as his father — was his biological uncle, who himself had obtained Kuwaiti citizenship fraudulently years earlier. Investigators are now working to gather complete legal documentation on the uncle's case in preparation for further legal action. Meanwhile, the Syrian national's forged citizenship file was submitted to the Supreme Committee for Nationality Affairs, which issued a formal revocation of his Kuwaiti nationality. It was further revealed that the accused has no children or other registered dependents, and that his Kuwaiti wife had no knowledge of his forged identity. DNA testing was used as part of the evidence in the case, and the man has since been referred to the Public Prosecution, along with his siblings, for legal proceedings. He is currently being held in the central prison as investigations continue.
Arab Times
16 hours ago
- Arab Times
Iranian-Born Son Falsely Registered As Kuwaiti, Rises To Become Pilot
KUWAIT CITY, June 20: A long-hidden case of citizenship fraud was exposed in Kuwait following the death of a Kuwaiti man, revealing that his alleged son—an Iranian by birth—had been falsely registered as a Kuwaiti citizen since 1986. According to detailed investigations, the fraud began when an Iranian woman, after divorcing her Iranian husband, married a Kuwaiti man. With his cooperation, she added her son from the previous marriage to his citizenship file. The child, born in Iran, was officially registered as the Kuwaiti's biological son, allowing him to benefit from full citizenship rights, including access to education and government services. He eventually became a pilot in Kuwait under this false identity. The truth unraveled in 2021, when a dispute erupted among the children of the deceased Kuwaiti man over inheritance. Suspicions were raised about one half-brother, who appeared to have no legitimate paternal link. The family lodged a formal complaint, prompting the Public Prosecution to order DNA testing. The tests, which included samples from the deceased man's brother, confirmed that the accused individual was not biologically related to the Kuwaiti father. Further investigations revealed that the individual had knowingly perpetuated the fraud. He renewed his Kuwaiti passport and civil ID multiple times using false information, fully aware of his real origins. The court sentenced him to seven years in prison for forgery and fraud. However, by the time the verdict was issued, he had already fled Kuwait for Iran. As a result, the ruling was issued in absentia. Authorities also discovered irregularities in the man's citizenship file, including three separate family affiliations, raising further questions about how the fraudulent identity remained undetected for so long. The case underscores Kuwait's continued efforts to detect and prosecute cases of citizenship fraud, particularly those involving falsified family links.
