Iran's Revolutionary Guard Declares Hormuz Strait Closure

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has officially declared the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as the Middle East descends into chaos following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. While Iran has repeatedly threatened to shut down the "global energy artery" during past crises, analysts say this declaration represents the strongest warning yet.

According to the New York Times, Al Jazeera and other major outlets on June 2 local time, IRGC advisor Ebrahim Javari warned through state media: "The Strait of Hormuz is closed. If anyone attempts to pass through, the heroes of the Revolutionary Guard and regular navy will burn those ships."

Since U.S. and Israeli airstrikes began on May 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top leadership, the Revolutionary Guard has been attacking energy infrastructure across the Middle East, including refineries. The Guard has launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases, including the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. The Strait of Hormuz carries approximately 20% of global seaborne crude oil shipments.

"We will also attack pipelines to ensure not a single drop of oil leaves this region," Javari said on the IRGC's Telegram channel. "Oil prices will reach $200 per barrel within days."

He told Tasnim News Agency: "The Americans are dependent on this region's oil while carrying trillions of dollars in debt, but now they won't get a single drop."

Damage to energy infrastructure is mounting. Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura refinery—the world's largest crude processing facility—shot down Iranian drones following the airstrikes, but debris sparked fires. QatarEnergy, the world's largest LNG exporter, announced a production halt after Iranian attacks, sending European natural gas prices up 50% intraday.

Iran had signaled closure on May 28, warning tankers that "passage through the strait is not safe." While some tankers continued transit despite warnings, the official closure declaration by a senior official has heightened concerns over global oil and natural gas supply disruptions. Brent crude surged 7% to $78 per barrel. Prices are expected to climb further as tanker detentions in the strait persist.

The U.S. has signaled countermeasures. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on June 2: "Starting tomorrow, we will implement phased measures to mitigate these issues. We knew from the beginning this would be a variable."