A senior Iranian lawmaker warned Thursday that Tehran may close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil artery, in response to mounting pressure from its adversaries.

Strait of Hormuz in Crosshairs

Behnam Saeedi, a member of Iran's Parliament National Security Committee presidium, told the semi-official Mehr news agency that closing the strait is among Iran’s potential retaliatory measures. The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s daily oil supply, making it a flashpoint in any military or economic standoff.

Shipping Industry Reacts

The threat follows days of heightened regional tensions, particularly after Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. On Wednesday, shipping sources reported that commercial vessels had begun steering clear of Iranian waters near the strait, signaling industry alarm over possible escalation.

Strategic Leverage and Historic Precedent

Iran has repeatedly used threats to block the strait as geopolitical leverage, particularly during previous episodes of U.S. sanctions or regional conflict. Analysts warn that actual closure would not only trigger a spike in oil prices but also risk direct confrontation with U.S. naval forces stationed in the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz has long been a strategic flashpoint in the Middle East. In 2019, during a similar period of heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, Tehran threatened to restrict access to the waterway. The current warning comes amid renewed hostilities involving Israel, U.S. deliberations on potential strikes, and Iranian pledges to retaliate on multiple fronts.