In a bold and thinly veiled threat, Iran’s influential conservative newspaper Kayhan has warned that any Iranian move to close the Strait of Hormuz or begin inspecting ships in the vital waterway could trigger a global economic shock—driving oil prices to $150 per barrel and delivering a painful blow to U.S. markets.
Often seen as a mouthpiece for Iran’s hardline establishment, Kayhan’s commentary is not mere speculation—it’s a signal. With regional tensions escalating rapidly and military skirmishes increasing between Iran and Israel, Tehran is now openly hinting at its most potent economic deterrent: control over the world’s energy chokepoint.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is the lifeline of the global oil economy. Roughly one-fifth of all oil traded worldwide passes through this strait daily, making it perhaps the most strategically sensitive maritime corridor on the planet.
In its editorial, Kayhan emphasized that Iran has the legal and logistical capability to either shut down the Strait entirely or begin boarding and inspecting vessels, particularly those suspected of aiding hostile nations. The article warns that even the threat of such actions could cause panic in energy markets.
“If Iran decides to close Hormuz, oil will not just reach $100—it will surpass $150,” the editorial stated. “The consequences will not be regional; they will be global, and the U.S. economy will be among the hardest hit.”
Energy analysts are already sounding alarms. In volatile trading this week, crude prices spiked amid speculation that Iran might take action in response to recent Israeli missile strikes and diplomatic escalations.
The U.S. has long maintained a significant naval presence in the Gulf precisely to keep the Strait open, but any direct military confrontation over the waterway could ignite a wider war. War games and historical simulations show that even temporary disruption of traffic through Hormuz would send oil markets into turmoil, with ripple effects in inflation, logistics, and global stock markets.
Kayhan’s editorial is more than a warning—it reflects real strategic thinking within Tehran. By invoking Hormuz, Iran is reminding the world that it holds a key pressure point in the global economy—one that transcends missiles and drones.
“The West thinks it can isolate and pressure Iran without consequence. But our patience is not endless,” the article warned, echoing the rhetoric of Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders in recent weeks.
U.S. officials have not responded directly to Kayhan’s piece, but Pentagon sources have confirmed that U.S. naval assets in the region are on heightened alert. Oil futures rose modestly after the publication, with traders eyeing developments in Tehran closely.
Meanwhile, Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are quietly reinforcing their maritime security protocols, fearing that Iran might start targeting non-U.S. allied tankers as a show of force.
This isn’t the first time Iran has hinted at using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage. But with diplomatic channels breaking down and military tensions hitting new highs, Kayhan’s statement feels less like a bluff—and more like a warning shot.
As energy markets teeter on uncertainty, one thing is clear: the Strait of Hormuz isn’t just a stretch of water—it’s a fuse.
