Analysts note that over 75% of the region's spare oil production capacity is concentrated in Middle Eastern nations relying on the Strait for exports. This geographic concentration suggests that potential disruptions to the waterway could have a significant impact on global supply.

According to Kpler data, activity levels declined shortly after the start of the blockade. The source reports that daily crossings, which previously averaged over 20, have subsequently deteriorated.

Iran warn military response if US naval blockade intensifies Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says Tehran will prevent Washington from reopening the Strait of Hormuz and will target vessels that use routes authorised by the US. In a video carried by Iranian media, Ghalibaf acknowledged that “the enemy managed to get some ships” through the waterway but said Iranian forces remain “in complete control of the strait and will not allow it to be opened.

” He accused Washington of giving ships “false guarantees” that they could safely use a southern passage. “America wants to use the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz in violation of the Memorandum of Understanding, and we will not allow it,” he said.

Ghalibaf described the US naval blockade against Iran as a military act and warned that Tehran would respond militarily to any escalation. If the US’s “will is that we do not export oil” from the Gulf, Ghalibaf said, “no one will be able to export oil”.

Beijing and Tehran signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in 2021, which reportedly outlines cooperation in economic, security, and technological sectors. While the existence of the agreement is stated, specific details regarding the scope and implementation of these provisions require further verification.