Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) declared the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz closed to vessels serving "Zionist-American enemies" ports on Friday, March 27, 2026, triggering a sharp increase in global oil prices and further escalating regional hostilities. The announcement followed reports that three container ships of varying nationalities were turned back from the waterway after warnings from the IRGC Navy. Brent crude oil prices surged past $110 a barrel, marking the second-highest level since the U.S. began its offensive against Iran last month.
The IRGC, through its Sepah News website, explicitly stated that "the movement of any vessel 'to and from' ports of origin belonging to allies and supporters of the Zionist-American enemies, to any destination and through any corridor, is prohibited." This directive comes as the Strait of Hormuz, the sole maritime passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, remains a critical chokepoint for the global energy supply. Approximately 20% of the world's oil supply and nearly 20% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) normally transits through this narrow waterway.
Earlier on Friday, three container ships reportedly attempted to navigate the strait via designated corridors but were intercepted and forced to change course by IRGC naval forces. This directly contradicted claims by the U.S. President that the Strait was open.
The closure and the subsequent disruption to maritime traffic have sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Oil prices have been highly volatile since the U.S. and Israeli offensive against Iran commenced on February 28, 2026, with Brent crude peaking at $119 per barrel earlier in March. The latest escalation dashed hopes that a recent dip to $99 a barrel would be sustained.
The move by Iran's Revolutionary Guards occurs amid ongoing, albeit indirect, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. The White House had expected Iran's response on Friday to a 15-point peace proposal presented by the U.S. through Pakistan as an intermediary. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the administration had delivered the plan.
The U.S. proposal, which reportedly includes sanctions relief in exchange for the removal of enriched uranium, limitations on Iran's ballistic missile program, and a cessation of support for regional militant groups, has faced skepticism from Tehran. Iran, for its part, has publicly rejected aspects of the U.S. plan and has reportedly put forward its own demands, including war reparations and international recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already severely impacted global trade, with shipping traffic brought to a near standstill and approximately 2,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers reportedly stranded in the Persian Gulf. The broader economic consequences extend beyond crude oil and LNG, affecting petrochemicals, industrial gases, and refined products crucial for global manufacturing.
As the U.S. had previously threatened to "obliterate" Iranian power plants if the Strait was not reopened, the IRGC's defiant stance signals a further hardening of Iran's position. While President Trump recently extended a pause on attacks on Iranian energy assets until April 6, 2026, citing ongoing talks, the latest actions from Tehran indicate a widening chasm between the two sides. The international community watches for Iran's formal response to the peace framework and the potential for further military or economic repercussions from the prolonged disruption of this critical global chokepoint. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz is likely to keep global energy prices elevated and contribute to broader economic instability.
ISN MEDIA
