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Strait of Hormuz Emerges as Iran's Most Powerful Weapon Amid War With US
Iran's decades-long threats to close the Strait of Hormuz culminated in a closure after the February 28 US-Israeli strikes. The United States has imposed a naval blockade, while Tehran maintains control of the waterway, drawing global attention to the chokepoint through which a large share of global oil passes.
Why It Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint through which nearly one-fifth of the world's oil supply transits; Iran's control of the waterway could significantly influence energy markets and regional security.
Timeline
2 Events
April 18, 2026: Traffic and blockade dynamics as Iran asserts control of Hormuz
April 18, 2026
Data from shipping analytics firm Kpler shows that 20 tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, while nine ships reportedly complied with orders to turn around in the context of the US naval blockade. The Chinese-owned tanker Rich Starry, owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co and sanctioned by the US for dealing with Iran, failed to leave the Strait on the first day of the blockade. The report notes Iran's ongoing assertion of sovereignty over the Strait as a key element of its strategy.
February 28, 2026: US-Israeli strikes prompt Iran to shut the Strait of Hormuz
February 28, 2026
The February 28 joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran prompted Tehran to actually shut the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first time the country closed the strategic waterway after decades of threats.