Iran’s parliament approved a measure June 22 endorsing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil transportation route, following U.S. airstrikes in Iran.
Around 20% of the world’s oil and gas flow through the narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Its closure would likely mean rising fuel costs for global consumers, including Americans.
While Iranian state media reported that the parliament had agreed to endorse blocking the strait, the decision ultimately belongs to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Iranian officials have said the country would defend itself should the U.S. effectively join Israel’s war with Iran. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said in a press conference the U.S. is on “high alert” for retaliation from Tehran, after American bombers targeted three Iranian nuclear sites.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned against closing the strait, calling such a decision an escalation of conflict.
“That would be a suicidal move on their part, because I think the whole world would come against them if they did that,” Rubio said in an interview with CBS’s Margaret Brennan.
