{"id":2574788,"date":"2026-02-28T16:05:58","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T21:05:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/irgc-effectively-closed-strait-of-hormuz-choking-oil-routes\/"},"modified":"2026-02-28T16:10:04","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T21:10:04","slug":"irgc-effectively-closed-strait-of-hormuz-choking-oil-routes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/irgc-effectively-closed-strait-of-hormuz-choking-oil-routes\/","title":{"rendered":"IRGC &#8216;effectively closed&#8217; Strait of Hormuz, choking oil routes"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Firgc-effectively-closed-strait-of-hormuz-choking-oil-routes%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2574788&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil chokepoint, has been \u201ceffectively closed\u201d to maritime traffic after the United States adn Israel struck Iran. The statement comes as commercial vessels have been warned to avoid the Middle East oil region due to insecure conditions around the strait, with guidance to stay at least 30 nautical miles from U.S.military vessels. While iran has threatened to close the strait, it is indeed not clear whether the closure is being enforced, and Iran has previously cited safety reasons during drills.<\/p>\n<p>The potential closure threatens to disrupt about 20 million barrels of crude and oil products that pass through Hormuz daily, or roughly 20% of global demand, which could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/opecs-planned-price-hike-could-pummel-democrats\/\" title=\"OPEC\u2019s Planned Price Hike Could Pummel Democrats\">push oil prices higher<\/a>. Markets already reflected concern, with Brent and West Texas Intermediate rising, and analysts predicting further increases depending on how the situation evolves. Domestic gas prices could rise toward or above $3 per gallon in the U.S. If the disruption persists, major producers like OPEC+ may increase output to offset losses, while Saudi Arabia and the United Arab emirates had already raised exports ahead of the strikes.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">IRGC &lsquo;effectively closed&rsquo; key shipping lane Strait of Hormuz, choking oil routes<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2519086\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>The <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/irgc\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"4246\">Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps<\/a> said the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping lane, has been &ldquo;effectively closed&rdquo; to maritime vessels after the United States and Israel struck <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/iran\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"100\">Iran<\/a> overnight.<\/p>\n<p>The move is notable because shippers now can&rsquo;t easily transport <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/oil-exports\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"2231\">oil exports<\/a> through the strait. As a result, oil prices will most likely increase.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/4471251\/gas-prices-nearly-4-percent-more-expensive-than-a-month-ago\/\">Gas prices: Nearly 4% higher than a month ago<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/energy\/4469493\/republicans-trump-energy-agenda-state-of-the-union\/\">Republicans praise Trump&#8217;s energy agenda ahead of State of the Union<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;The IRGC has warned various vessels that, due to the insecure conditions around the strait resulting from the U.S. and Israeli military aggression and Iran&rsquo;s responses, passage through the strait is currently unsafe,&rdquo; the Iranian military branch&rsquo;s statement read.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/opinion\/4475566\/the-islamic-republic-had-its-chance\/\">SEAN DURNS: THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC HAD ITS CHANCE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Maritime Administration, an agency that falls under the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/department-of-transportation\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"2527\">Department of Transportation<\/a>, also warned commercial ships to avoid the oil-rich Gulf region in the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/middle-east\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"102\">Middle East<\/a> following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. There has been a significant concentration of U.S. military activity in this area for several weeks before the start of &ldquo;Operation Epic Fury.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Commercial vessels are advised to stay at least 30 nautical miles, or 34.5 miles, away from any U.S. military vessel so that they are not mistaken as threats, the maritime agency said.<\/p>\n<p>Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the whole strait in the event of a U.S. attack, but it never acted on those statements until now. However, the Islamic Republic said parts of the strait were recently closed for &ldquo;safety&rdquo; reasons during military drills.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/4475510\/congress-split-trump-iran-strike\/\">CONGRESS SPLIT ON TRUMP&rsquo;S IRAN STRIKES<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It remains unclear if the closure is being enforced as an <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/JavierBlas\/status\/2027787611188625609\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/x.com\/JavierBlas\/status\/2027787611188625609\">oil industry analyst claims<\/a> the strait has not been closed to vessels.<\/p>\n<p>The <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4442078\/strait-of-hormuz-iran-plans-military-drill-tensions-high-us\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4442078\/strait-of-hormuz-iran-plans-military-drill-tensions-high-us\/\">Strait of Hormuz<\/a> is widely considered &ldquo;one of the world&rsquo;s most important oil chokepoints,&rdquo; <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/todayinenergy\/detail.php?id=65504\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.eia.gov\/todayinenergy\/detail.php?id=65504\">according to<\/a> the Energy Information Administration. The agency says about 20 million barrels of crude oil and other oil products pass through the strait daily, equivalent to 20% of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/saudi-aramco-boosts-spending-to-boost-output-as-oil-surges\/\" title=\"Saudi Aramco Boosts Spending to Boost Output as Oil Surges\">global oil demand<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A complete closure of the strait would have immediate impacts on international oil markets, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/russia-keeps-key-interest-rate-at-20-in-attempt-to-stabilize-ruble\/\" title=\"Russia Keeps Key Interest Rate at 20% in Attempt to Stabilize Ruble\">sending prices soaring<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Crude will likely rise by a few dollars tomorrow at Asia open, but further moves will depend on what happens in the coming hours to days,&rdquo; Hunter Kornfeind, an analyst with Rapidan Energy Group, told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>. &ldquo;The Strait of Hormuz remains the main risk to markets, especially if vessels are deterred by military action\/threats or insurance providers.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>By Monday, the national average for gas prices could very well surpass $3 per gallon. The current average is $2.98 per gallon as of Saturday, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/gasprices.aaa.com\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/gasprices.aaa.com\/\">according to<\/a> AAA.<\/p>\n<p>Oil prices were elevated for days and weeks leading up to Saturday&rsquo;s strike, with traders fearing that an attack on Iran would cause a significant disruption in global supply chains.<\/p>\n<p>International and domestic benchmarks, Brent Crude and West Texas Intermediate, were both up by nearly 3% towards the close of trading on Friday.<\/p>\n<p>If there are no signs of de-escalation through Sunday, some analysts are forecasting that pool prices could jump as much as $20 per barrel or more.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Given the scale of retaliation, most of the strategic initiative now lies with Iran,&rdquo; Rystad Energy&rsquo;s Jorge Leon told <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/finance.yahoo.com\/news\/us-strikes-against-iran-could-see-oil-prices-jump-10-to-20-or-more-with-no-deescalation-143847017.html\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/finance.yahoo.com\/news\/us-strikes-against-iran-could-see-oil-prices-jump-10-to-20-or-more-with-no-deescalation-143847017.html\"><em>Yahoo Finance<\/em><\/a>. &ldquo;How Tehran chooses to respond over the next 24-72 hours &mdash; especially toward energy infrastructure or regional shipping &mdash; will be the primary driver of near<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >-term oil market dynamics<\/a>.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Any major disruptions in global supply could be supported by major oil producers, such as OPEC+. The international oil-producing bloc is scheduled to meet Sunday and has been expected to resume its production hikes that were paused over the winter.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4475552\/world-leader-diplomatic-resolution-us-strike-iran\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4475552\/world-leader-diplomatic-resolution-us-strike-iran\/\">WORLD LEADERS STRESS DIPLOMATIC RESOLUTION AFTER US-ISRAEL STRIKES ON IRAN<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While OPEC+ is anticipated to approve a modest hike of 137,000 barrels per day, the bloc may lean towards a sharper increase in production to offset supply losses seen from Iran.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/saudi-arabia\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"590\">Saudi Arabia<\/a> and the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/united-arab-emirates\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"215\">United Arab Emirates<\/a> raised their output of oil exports in advance of the attack. Both countries are founding members of OPEC+.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>IRGC: Hormuz Strait closed to shipping after strikes<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4190,"featured_media":2574789,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26031231509809.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[538],"tags":[74808,32404,12714,74807,74806],"class_list":["post-2574788","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-washington-examiner","tag-energy_security","tag-geopolitics","tag-irgc","tag-oil_routes","tag-strait_of_hormuz"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26031231509809.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2574788","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4190"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2574788"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2574788\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2574792,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2574788\/revisions\/2574792"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2574789"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2574788"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2574788"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2574788"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}