Iran's Military Claims Effective Control Over Strait of Hormuz, No Need to Lay Mines in Persian Gulf

As the U.S.-Israel military strikes against Iran continue to escalate, the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical energy corridors—is rapidly transforming into the center of conflict. Multiple sources indicate that Iran not only claims effective control over the strait but is also practically implementing a “conditional opening” of passage, causing global energy markets and geopolitical risks to enter a high-pressure state simultaneously.

According to CCTV News, on Monday, March 23, local time, the spokesperson for Iran’s Central Command of the Hatham Anbia Armed Forces stated that Iran has taken the lead in the relevant waters of the Persian Gulf and Oman Gulf and has effective control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The spokesperson said that based on current control capabilities, Iran does not need to lay mines in the Persian Gulf but will take all necessary measures to ensure safety when needed. He also stated that Iran’s armed forces have the ability to maintain security in the Persian Gulf through regional cooperation, and foreign countries have no right to intervene.

“Control, Not Complete Closure”: Iran Holds the Global Energy Valve Tight

According to CCTV reports earlier this month, after the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes, Iran explicitly stated it has “full control of the Strait of Hormuz” and has launched countermeasures.

The latest statement is more strategic. As reported earlier this week by CCTV, on the 22nd, Iran indicated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to most ships, except those associated with hostile countries to Iran.

CCTV noted that, according to this stance, Iran has not announced a return to “full, threat-free” free navigation but is attempting to retain control over the passage’s scope and timing.

At the same time, CCTV mentioned that the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that if the U.S. further attacks Iran’s energy or infrastructure, Iran will “completely close” the strait and retaliate against key regional facilities related to the U.S., such as energy and water infrastructure.

This statement highlights Iran’s current strategic core: not simply “shutting down,” but transforming the Strait of Hormuz into a controllable strategic lever.

20% of Global Oil Lifeline Under Control, Market Enters “Physical Shock” Stage

The importance of the Strait of Hormuz means that any disturbance will produce systemic shocks. Reuters data shows that the strait accounts for about 20% of global oil transportation, with a daily throughput of approximately 20 million barrels, serving as the lifeline for Persian Gulf oil-exporting countries.

This means that if Iran implements a substantial blockade, global energy supply will experience a “physical disruption,” different from previous price fluctuations driven by sentiment, directly affecting supply itself.

Markets are already pricing in this risk. Analysts generally believe that if the blockade persists, Brent crude prices could quickly surpass $120 per barrel and even challenge $150, shifting the energy market from a previously ample supply expectation to a high-volatility pattern dominated by geopolitical conflict.

U.S. Military Options and Escalating Game: From “Ensuring Navigation” to “Targeted Strikes”

In response to the “semi-controlled” situation of the strait, the U.S. is accelerating preparations. CCTV reported this Monday that the U.S. has deployed over 50,000 troops to the Middle East and is discussing military options to ensure the safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Potential actions include:

• Precise strikes on Iran’s energy and electrical infrastructure
• Strengthening escort operations or direct military intervention
• Applying “limited strikes” to exert pressure without full-scale war

Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump publicly issued a “48-hour final ultimatum” last Saturday night, demanding Iran “completely open” the strait, or else he would target Iran’s power facilities, indicating that the conflict is approaching the brink of direct military confrontation.

From Passage to Bargaining Chip: The Strait of Hormuz as a Nexus of Negotiation and War

Current trends show that the Strait of Hormuz is no longer just a geographic passage but has become a three-way strategic battleground:

• For Iran, a “nuclear option” against sanctions and military pressure;
• For the U.S., a core element of maintaining the global energy order;
• For the global market, a key variable determining oil prices and inflation trajectories.

Under the strategy of “limited opening + potential closure,” Iran effectively turns the global energy lifeline into a dynamic bargaining tool. This uncertainty itself is becoming one of the most significant variables driving oil prices, risk assets, and geopolitical risk premiums higher.

Risk Warning and Disclaimer

Market risks exist; investments should be cautious. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not consider individual users’ specific investment goals, financial situations, or needs. Users should consider whether any opinions, viewpoints, or conclusions herein are suitable for their particular circumstances. Invest at your own risk.