Iran’s Parliament has approved a proposal to block the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions after the US conducted airstrikes on three Iranian military sites. While the final decision rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, global markets and major oil-importing nations, including India, are watching closely.
Here’s what the threat to block the Strait means — in 4 key points:
1. What is the Strait of Hormuz — and why is it so strategic?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It’s just 33 km wide at its narrowest point, with shipping lanes only 3 km wide in each direction — making it easy to block, but hard to bypass.
This route is vital for global energy trade, especially for Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran. It handles:
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Over 20 million barrels per day of oil
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About one-fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG)
There are no direct sea-route alternatives, and even overland pipelines in Saudi Arabia or the UAE cannot match the sheer volume of the Strait.
2. Why would Iran consider blocking it now?
Although Iran has never blocked the Strait, the rising tensions with the US appear to have shifted its stance. Blocking could involve:
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Sea mines
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Missile or drone attacks on ships
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Ship detentions or cyberattacks
Iran may be reacting to the recent US strikes, which reduced the risk of provoking a fresh US military response — as it’s already begun.
However, such a move hurts Iran, too:
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Its own oil exports also go through the Strait
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It risks alienating regional allies
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It disrupts oil supplies to China, one of Iran’s top buyers
3. What would be the global impact?
If the Strait is blocked:
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Oil and gas prices will surge globally
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Insurance and shipping costs will spike
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Supply chains could be disrupted
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Countries like Japan, South Korea, and China would face energy insecurity
The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, stationed in Bahrain, may respond — but even a temporary blockade can trigger economic and military chaos.
4. How will India be affected?
India is among the top importers of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA):
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84% of crude oil and 83% of LNG through the strait goes to Asian markets
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India, China, Japan, and South Korea account for 69% of that demand
While India also sources oil from Russia, the US, and Africa, a Hormuz crisis would:
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Cause global oil price volatility
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Affect import bills, inflation, and domestic fuel prices
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Disrupt energy planning and logistics
🧭 Final Take
Even a short-term disruption in the Strait of Hormuz would rattle global oil markets and hurt economies dependent on Gulf energy routes. For India, the concern is less about availability and more about affordability and financial ripple effects.
As geopolitical tensions rise, all eyes now turn to Tehran’s next move — and Washington’s response.
