Iran Shuts Down the Strait of Hormuz. What More Can It Do? • FRANCE 24 English
•March 2, 2026
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Why It Matters
About 20% of global oil and gas and roughly a third of fertilizer shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, so sustained closure or reduced traffic could spike energy prices, disrupt industrial supply chains and impose significant costs on the global economy.
Summary
Following weekend strikes by the US and Israel and a retaliatory move by Iran, Tehran has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, halting maritime traffic and leaving more than 150 tankers anchored on either side. The disruption sent Brent crude up as much as 13% to over $82 a barrel before easing to about $78, while European gas prices briefly surged over 50% after Qatar paused LNG production following attacks. Insurers are refusing Gulf war-risk coverage, compounding shipping bottlenecks and raising the prospect of prolonged supply interruptions for oil, gas and fertilizer shipments that transit the choke point. Analysts warn the closure risks widening the conflict and deepening global energy and commodity market turbulence if it continues for an extended period.
Original Description
Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and threatened to fire at any ship passing through it. The narrow waterway is a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas, but also for other commodities such as fertiliser. France 24's Yuka Royer speaks with Noam Raydan, a maritime risk expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy about the potential impact of the Strait's closure and how Iran could further escalate the situation.
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