President of the United States, Donald TrumpAn unprecedented decision to bombard three Iranian nuclear objects, which has strengthened fears about the escalation of war in the Middle East. With this action, Washington joins Israel in the greatest Western offensive against the Islamic Republic since the Iranian Revolution of 1979.
Now the world is waiting for Iran’s answer. Analysts note that Tehran could choose to close the Strait of Ormuz, which is a key step, where more than one fifth global oil supply is circulating daily – about 20 million barrels – and most of the liquefied natural gas.
Although Iran threatened in other cases with the blocking of this strategic corridor, never indicated such a measureThis will have a destructive impact on international trade and raw oil prices.
The importance of the Ormus Strait
Located between Oman and Iran, the Strait of Ormuz connects the Persian Bay with the Oman Sea and the Arab Sea. This marine step is vital for the global economy only 33 km wide at its narrowest point and a navigation canal of only 3 km. Through this members OPEC The Saudi part, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq – export most of their rude, mainly towards Asia.
In addition to oil, the strait is a key route for world sea transport. Any interruption can delay European imports of raw materials, electronic products and consumer goods, affecting supplies chains. Insurance premiums for sea transport can be missed, which increases expenses for European companies and consumers.
A Fifth fleet The United States based on Barain is responsible for protecting commercial traffic in this area.
What will happen if Iran closes the step?
Closing the strait would be a direct blow to Trump, which leads to an immediate increase in oil prices and the inflationary effect in the USA and the rest of the world. However, It will also offer serious economic damage to Iran himselfWhose oil depends on the same route to get to the market.
In addition, the block can attract the Arabic states of the Persian Gulf, criticizing Israeli attacks, into a greater conflict to protect their energy interests. ChinaWhich buys about 90% of Iranian oil, authorized at the international level, will be one of the largest victims.
On Monday, the Chinese government urged to strengthen efforts ”in order to“ avoid influence on world economic development. “Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Go Jiakun The press conferences announced that “maintaining security and stability in the region leads to the common interests of the international community.”
US Secretary of State, Marco RubioHe urged Beijing to intervene: “I urge the Chinese government to communicate with Tehran, because they largely depend on the Strait of Ormus for its oil. If they close it, it will be a terrible mistake. This is economic suicide”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cetranowu08
In fact, Superpetroleros reports are already spreading, which could change in a strategic step after explosions.
Iran’s position
State television Click the TV He said that the Iranian parliament approved the measure to close the strait, although the final decision corresponds to the top leaders of the country. Chancellor Seyed Abbas Arachchi He warned that the American bombing would have “eternal consequences.” For their part, the highest leader Ayatola Ali Jayman He described the attack of Israel as a “serious mistake” and promised that “it should be punished”, although he did not directly mention the Strait Ormuse.