đ¨ Iran Threatens to Close Strait of Hormuz Following U.S. Strikes on Nuclear Sites
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s Parliament has voted to close the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments — following U.S. airstrikes on three nuclear sites inside the country. The move, announced by Iranian state media Sunday, is pending final approval from the Supreme National Security Council.
The potential closure of the strait, a narrow 20-mile waterway separating Iran and Oman, could have far-reaching consequences on global energy markets and the U.S. economy. About 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through this route daily.
đĨ Airstrikes Mark Major Turning Point
On Saturday night, President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. launched coordinated bombings on nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. The Fordow site, located deep within a mountain, was hit with six bunker-buster bombs, while Tomahawk cruise missiles targeted the other two sites.
“If peace does not come quickly, more strikes will follow,” Trump warned in a televised address.
The attack marks the most direct U.S. military action against Iran in years and comes amid an ongoing war between Iran and Israel, which began two weeks ago.
đŽđˇ Iran: 'Diplomacy Has Been Destroyed'
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. of abandoning diplomacy in favor of escalation.
“The United States decided to blow up diplomacy,” Araghchi said, warning the strikes would have “everlasting consequences.”
⚠️ U.S. Officials Urge China to Step In
With global oil supplies at risk, Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Beijing to pressure Tehran into keeping the Strait open.
“I encourage the Chinese government to talk to Iran,” Rubio said Sunday on Fox News. “China depends heavily on oil that flows through the Strait of Hormuz.”
While U.S. officials hailed the operation as a strategic success, the full extent of damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remains unclear. Iranian sources dispute claims that the Fordow facility was significantly damaged.
đ What’s at Stake:
- Global Oil Flow: 1/5 of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Economic Fallout: Closure could spark an energy price spike worldwide.
- Regional War: The conflict risks spiraling beyond Iran and Israel, potentially involving Gulf states and superpowers like China.
