The Strait of Hormuz Could Ignite World War 3 – Here’s Why
Ledarredaktionen: The Strait of Hormuz has once again become a flashpoint in the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. Following a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear, military, and energy facilities in early June 2025, Iranian officials have openly stated that they are considering closing the Strait—an act that would send shockwaves through global energy markets and potentially ignite a wider regional confrontation.
The strait, a narrow 39-kilometer-wide waterway between Iran and Oman, is the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint. Around 25% of global oil exports and a third of all seaborne liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through it each day. Any disruption—even partial—would directly impact fuel prices, shipping routes, and the economic stability of dozens of nations.
Iranian lawmaker Esmail Kosari recently told state-affiliated media that a closure is “on the table,” positioning the move as a direct response to Israeli aggression. This declaration came shortly after Israeli warplanes targeted over 150 Iranian locations, including the strategically vital South Pars gas field. In turn, Iran launched barrages of missiles and drones, with casualties and damage reported on both sides.
Global markets reacted swiftly. Oil prices jumped by 7–14%, with Brent crude rising to over $77 per barrel—its highest level since 2022. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned that any disruption of the strait could drive inflation higher, raise fuel costs, and complicate central banks’ efforts to lower interest rates.
Meanwhile, international shipping companies have already begun slowing vessel traffic through the strait, citing security concerns. Comparisons have been drawn to the Red Sea crisis, where Houthi rebel attacks forced costly rerouting of ships and added months of logistical delays.
Militarily, Iran possesses the tools to make such a closure credible. Its navy and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) can deploy fast attack boats, anti-ship missiles, naval mines, and drones. The country’s control over the northern coast of the strait gives it the ability to launch precision strikes or harassment attacks against commercial vessels with little warning.
Still, analysts argue that an actual closure remains unlikely—at least for now. Blocking Hormuz would severely hurt Iran’s own economy, which still depends on oil exports, especially to countries like China. Instead, Tehran appears to be using the threat as a powerful diplomatic and psychological weapon—a bargaining chip in a larger geopolitical chess match.
While the situation remains volatile, the Strait of Hormuz has once again reminded the world that energy security, military power, and diplomacy are deeply intertwined—and that a narrow strip of water in the Gulf can tip the balance of global stability and ignite a large-scale global conflict.
Chefredaktör Henrik Sundin
