Iran Has Repeatedly Threatened to Close the Strait — Which Would Devastate the Global Economy

Iran has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz during periods of heightened tension with the West on multiple occasions, most notably in 2011–2012 and 2018–2019. Even a brief closure would send oil prices soaring and trigger a global economic shock, as there are no adequate pipeline alternatives that could absorb the full volume of traffic.

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https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/strait-hormuz

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Published: April 8, 2026
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Hormuz Politics Energy & Economy

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