Teerã authorities announced the immediate closure of the Ormuz strait on Saturday morning, April 18th. The decision comes less than a day after signaling a reopening that did not materialize. Segundo the command of Guarda Revolucionária, the measure represents a direct response to the maintenance of the commercial blockade imposed by the government of Donald Trump. The maritime corridor is considered the most important artery for the transport of oil and liquid natural gas in the world.
The Iranian Marinha has reestablished overt monitoring along the entire length of the strategic channel. Além of the physical blockade of shipping routes, attacks were recorded against two tankers operating in the region. The local government claims that freedom of transit will only be restored when the Estados Unidos lift the restrictions that are stifling the Persian country’s economy. The military movement already has an immediate impact on the price of barrels of fuel on the international market.
Guarda Revolucionária imposes strict control on the maritime corridor
Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfagari confirmed the resumption of military operations in an official statement released by the Tasnim agency. The official stated that the strategic route is under strict management by Forças Armadas. According to the government, Washington violated previous commitments, which would justify the interruption of commercial flow. The Estreito of Ormuz is responsible for passing approximately 20% of the oil consumed globally.
The situation on Golfo Pérsico escalated quickly after the early hours of the day, when international radars detected the presence of Iranian speedboats surrounding foreign vessels. The attacks on the two ships have not resulted in fatalities so far, but have caused structural damage that prevents continued travel. The crews remain on high alert while awaiting instructions from their respective companies and national flags.
Mojtaba Jameneí threatens bitter defeats to opponents
Irã supreme leader Mojtaba Jameneí used his official channels to send a message to Western powers. Ele highlighted that Armada is prepared to inflict significant losses on enemies if the economic blockade persists. Jameneí reinforced that the country will not accept what it classifies as foreign interference in its territorial waters. The tone used by the leader suggests a willingness for prolonged confrontation if diplomatic negotiations do not advance.
International diplomacy is trying to contain the damage from a possible major energy crisis. Países that directly depend on supply from Oriente Médio are looking for alternatives, but the closure of Ormuz is a physical obstacle that is difficult to overcome in the short term.
- Estreito connects Golfo Pérsico to Golfo of Omã.
- The minimum width of the canal is just 33 kilometers.
- Bilhões of dollars in cargo passes through the site daily.
- Irã controls the north bank, facilitating the military blockade.
Bloqueio of Estados Unidos suffocates maritime trade of Irã
Teerã’s decision is a direct reaction to Casa Branca’s stance, which reaffirmed the continuation of strict sanctions. Donald Trump’s government maintains a siege that prevents Irã from selling its oil production and importing basic products. Para military analysts, using the strait as a bargaining chip is the most powerful pressure tool the country has against global powers.
The current scenario is one of total uncertainty for foreign trade. Navios who were already en route to the region were ordered to anchor in safe ports or divert along much longer and more expensive routes. Marinha of Estados Unidos, through Quinta Frota stationed at Bahrein, is monitoring the situation closely, but has not yet directly intervened in the blockage points established by Guarda Revolucionária this Saturday.
Impactos in the global economy and energy market
Especialistas in maritime logistics point out that each hour of blockage in Ormuz generates a cascade effect on the prices of industrial inputs. If the interruption lasts more than a week, the cost of maritime transport could triple on several routes in the northern hemisphere. The stock market in Nova York and in the main European capitals is already showing volatility given the risk of a large-scale armed conflict in the region.
The Brazilian government is monitoring the case through Ministério of Relações Exteriores and Petrobras. Embora or Brasil have robust internal production, the fuel price is linked to international prices, which could make diesel and gasoline more expensive in national refineries in the coming days.
- Aumento immediate in the price of oil type Brent and WTI.
- Emergency Reunião called by UN Conselho of Segurança.
- Suspensão temporary insurance contracts for ships in Golfo.
- Alerta issued by intelligence agencies regarding new attacks.
Marinha of Irã maintains elite teams positioned on the island of Qeshm, a strategic point for flow control. Fotos satellite shows an increase in the concentration of sea mines and coastal missile batteries aimed at the channel. Não is expected to open again as long as demands regarding the suspension of North American sanctions are not put on the agenda by Nações Unidas.