The Traffic

Iran votes to close Strait of Hormuz after US strikes on nuclear facilities 

Iran's parliament has voted to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US strikes on its nuclear facilities. 

By Rhalialt Arhuoizah 

Here's what's happening :
- *Strait of Hormuz Closure*: The vote is seen as a major escalation, potentially disrupting global oil supplies and triggering economic chaos. However, the final decision to close the strait rests with Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
- *Global Impact*: The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway, handling around 20% of the world's oil and gas shipments. Closure could lead to a surge in global oil prices, potentially exceeding $100 per barrel, and impact energy security worldwide.
- *US Response*: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that closing the strait would be "economic suicide" for Iran and promised a strong American and allied military response. Rubio also urged China to use its influence with Tehran to prevent the closure.
- *International Reaction*: The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed concern over the escalation, calling the US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities "a perilous turn" in an already volatile region. China and Russia have also condemned the US strikes.
- *Potential Consequences*: Closure of the Strait of Hormuz would significantly affect global trade, particularly impacting countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea, which rely heavily on oil imports from the region. The move could also trigger a global recession and complicate the movement of American naval forces in the Persian Gulf.

*Key Players' Statements:*
- *US President Donald Trump*: Claimed the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were a "spectacular military success" and warned Iran to make peace or face greater consequences.
- *Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi*: Visited Moscow to discuss the situation with Russian leaders, seeking support against the US.
- *Iran's Ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani*: Warned that Iran reserves the right to defend itself under international law and will decide the timing, nature, and scale of its response .