Block in the artery of global energy: A history of conflict in the Strait of Hormuz
Because of its immense economic weight, the strait has transitioned from an ancient trade route for silk and ceramics into a modern-day flashpoint for international warfare and geopolitical brinkmanship
The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as the world's most strategic maritime chokepoint, a narrow "bending waterway" connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
It serves as the primary artery for 20% to 25% of global seaborne oil trade and roughly 35% of global liquefied natural gas exports.
Because of this immense economic weight, the strait has transitioned from an ancient trade route for silk and ceramics into a modern-day flashpoint for international warfare and geopolitical brinkmanship.
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The 'Tanker War' and '80s
The most sustained period of conflict in the strait's modern history occurred during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988).
In 1984, the conflict evolved into the infamous "Tanker War" when Iraq began targeting Iranian tankers at Kharg Island, hoping to provoke a retaliation that would trigger international intervention. Iran responded by laying naval mines and using speedboats to attack merchant ships supplying Iraq's allies.
This era saw direct military engagement between the US and Iran. In April 1988, the US Navy launched Operation Praying Mantis, a retaliatory strike after the USS Samuel B Roberts was damaged by an Iranian mine.
This operation resulted in the destruction of Iranian naval platforms and the sinking of several ships. Tragedy struck again in July 1988 when the USS Vincennes mistakenly shot down Iran Air Flight 655, a civilian airliner, killing all 290 people on board.
Post-Cold War tensions and island disputes
Following the Iran-Iraq War, the 1990s were marked by territorial friction between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the control of several small but strategically placed islands: Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb.
While Iran established control over these islands by 1992, they remain a source of regional tension and are heavily militarised as bases for naval installations and anti-ship missile batteries.
Naval standoffs and the nuclear row (2007–2012)
The 21st century brought a new era of high-stakes naval encounters. Between 2007 and 2008, a series of stand-offs occurred between Iranian speedboats and US warships. In June 2008, Iran threatened to "seal off" the waterway if attacked, leading the US to warn that such a closure would be treated as an act of war.
Tensions flared again in 2011–2012 when Iran threatened to cut off oil supplies in response to Western sanctions on its nuclear programme. While the US Fifth Fleet maintained the flow of traffic, these threats caused significant, if temporary, spikes in global oil prices.
The rise of ship seizures (2015–2024)
In recent years, Iran has increasingly used vessel seizures as a tool of asymmetric pressure.
Significant incidents include the 2015 firing upon and seizure of the Maersk Tigris and the 2019 capture of the British-flagged Stena Impero, which Iran described as a "reciprocal action" following the seizure of an Iranian tanker in Gibraltar.
More recently, in April 2024, the IRGC seized the MSC Aries, claiming it violated maritime laws. These actions led to the formation of international coalitions, such as the International Maritime Security Construct, to protect commercial shipping.
The crisis today
The most severe escalation began in June 2025 following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. Iran's parliament voted to close the strait, and US intelligence detected preparations to mine the waterway.
By early 2026, the situation reached a breaking point. In mid-February 2026, Iran conducted a "military drill" that temporarily shut down parts of the strait, causing oil prices to jump 6%.
The conflict shifted into hybrid warfare, involving significant electronic interference and GPS jamming that disrupted satellite navigation for commercial tankers.
In late February 2026, a bomb-carrying drone boat struck a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, resulting in the death of a mariner.
On 28 February 2026, the IRGC began issuing VHF transmissions stating that ship passage was "not allowed".
By 2 March 2026, the IRGC officially confirmed the closure of the strait, threatening to "set fire" to any ship attempting to enter.
Global consequences
The impact of this unprecedented closure has been immediate. Approximately 150 tankers were reported stranded, and the cost of hiring supertankers has nearly doubled.
Analysts warn that a sustained closure could push crude oil prices well into "triple digits," causing global inflation and devastating the economies of major importers like China, India, and Japan.
As General Sardar Jabbari recently declared, Tehran's current stance is to "not let a single drop of oil leave the region".
