Iran's parliament has approved a preliminary measure to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, though a final decision rests with the country's top national security authority, Iranian media reported Sunday, amid rising tensions following U.S. airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear sites. While no official order has been issued to shut the waterway — which handles nearly 20% of the world's oil and gas shipments — multiple Iranian officials confirmed that the option is under serious consideration. Iranian Revolutionary Guard senior commander Esmail Kowsari told the Young Journalists Club, "Closing the strait is on the table, and a decision will be made if necessary." Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed that sentiment during a press conference in Istanbul earlier in the day, saying Iran's military remains on high alert and that "all options are on the table." The parliament is also weighing a proposal to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) following the U.S. bombardment of the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. Lawmaker Sara Fallahi, a member of the national security committee, confirmed that both issues — Strait closure and NPT withdrawal — will be discussed in upcoming special sessions, though no timeline has been set. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime passage between Iran and Oman, is just 55 kilometers wide and considered one of the world's most critical chokepoints. More than 21 million barrels of oil and a third of global liquefied natural gas exports pass through it daily. While Iran relies heavily on the Strait for its own oil exports and imports — particularly to China, its top buyer — any disruption would have wide-reaching global economic consequences. Shipping companies have already begun rerouting vessels, and regional insurance premiums have surged more than 60% in the past 24 hours. The developments follow early Sunday's announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump confirming "very successful" airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, escalating fears of a broader conflict. Iran has since called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting and warned of "serious consequences." — Agencies
