Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Following Supreme Leader's Death

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global oil shipments, following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike. Brigadier General Sardar Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to the IRGC commander-in-chief, stated that the strait is "closed" and warned that any vessel attempting to pass would be set ablaze.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is a vital conduit through which approximately 20% of the world's traded oil passes. Its closure poses significant risks to global energy markets and has already led to a surge in oil prices.

This development follows the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei on February 28, 2026, during a series of Israeli missile strikes targeting high-ranking Iranian officials. The Iranian government confirmed his death on March 1.

In response to the closure, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration has issued alerts to vessels in the region, advising them to avoid the area due to significant military activity.

The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional stability and global energy supplies.