23.03.2026 12:22
Iran responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that they would start targeting the country's power plants if Iran did not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The Iranian Defense Council stated, "If the islands are threatened, we will lay mines along the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. No country will be able to use these sea routes."
While the conflicts that began with the attacks of the USA and Israel on Iran continue on their 24th day, a striking statement came from US President Donald Trump. Trump threatened Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the critical points of global energy trade.
Trump said, "If Iran does not completely open the Strait of Hormuz without any threat within 48 hours from now, the USA will strike and destroy various energy facilities in Iran, starting with the largest."
HARSH RESPONSE FROM IRAN
The Tehran administration responded promptly to these statements. The Iranian Defense Council announced that a "devastating" response would be given to possible attacks regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
"WE WILL MINELAY THE PERSIAN GULF AND THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ"
In a statement published by the council, it was noted that any attempt to attack Iranian shores or islands would result in the closure of all transit points in the Persian Gulf with naval mines. The statement emphasized that in this scenario, not only the Strait of Hormuz but the entire Persian Gulf could effectively be closed to navigation.
REFERENCE TO THE PAST: "MINES COULD NOT BE CLEARED"
Iran pointed out that even a limited number of naval mines could not be cleared in the 1980s, emphasizing that a possible mining situation would have long-term effects.
CONDITION FOR TRANSIT: "COORDINATION WITH IRAN"
The statement expressed that the passage of non-war countries through the Strait of Hormuz would only be possible in coordination with Iran. The Iranian administration announced that all forces across the country would act in accordance with the leadership order and are ready to resist.
IMPORTANCE OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is one of the most strategic waterways among the world's maritime passages, with a width of 33 kilometers. A significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows through this narrow passage.
According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) data for 2025, more than 20 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products pass through the Strait of Hormuz daily. This amount corresponds to approximately 20% of global liquid oil consumption.
Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) similarly reveals that one-fifth of global oil trade occurs through this route.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ EFFECTIVELY CLOSED
While the negotiation process between Iran and the USA continues, the conflict spread to the region following the attacks initiated by the USA and Israel on Iran. Iran conducted attacks on US bases and targets in the region, in addition to Israel.
Moreover, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps effectively blocked commercial ship passages through the Strait of Hormuz. The Revolutionary Guard Corps warned ships via VHF radio broadcasts, stating, "No ship can pass" and "Passage is not allowed."
The European Union's Aspides naval mission official confirmed that these messages came from the IRGC. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced that there was no official closure notification.
The Iranian side also did not officially declare a complete closure. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with Al Jazeera, "At this stage, we have no intention of closing the strait or preventing navigation." In response, the Iranian Armed Forces struck a tanker named Skylight in the strait off Oman for "not paying attention to warnings," causing the tanker to begin sinking.
According to "MarineTraffic," which monitors global maritime traffic, traffic in the strait has decreased by 40-70%. More than 150-250 tankers (crude oil, LNG, products) have anchored, turned back, or are waiting in open waters.
International insurance companies announced policy cancellations or premium increases due to the risk.
The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has also led to an increase in oil prices.