Fact Check: Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. attacks
What We Know
Following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran's parliament has reportedly endorsed a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments. According to Press TV, the Iranian state media outlet, the decision was made in response to the U.S. military action, which aimed to "neutralize" Iran's nuclear capabilities. The strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, is vital for the transit of approximately 30% of the world's seaborne oil, making any threats to close it significant for global energy markets.
The final decision regarding the closure rests with Iran's Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as reported by Reuters. This parliamentary endorsement follows a series of U.S. strikes dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer," which targeted key Iranian nuclear sites such as Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Analysis
The claim that Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz is substantiated by multiple sources. The endorsement from Iran's parliament indicates a formal response to the U.S. military actions, reflecting the heightened tensions between the two nations. The reliability of the information is bolstered by reports from established news outlets like Politico and The Hill, which corroborate the parliamentary measure and its context.
However, it is important to note that while the parliament's endorsement is a significant step, the actual implementation of a closure is contingent upon further decisions by Iran's Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Leader. This nuance is crucial, as it indicates that the threat may not be immediate or guaranteed. Moreover, the potential economic repercussions of such an action could deter Iran from following through, as closing the strait would impact not only global oil markets but also Iran's own economy.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with Press TV being the state broadcaster of Iran, and Politico and The Hill being reputable news organizations. However, one must consider the potential for bias, especially with state-run media, which may present information in a manner that aligns with governmental narratives.
Conclusion
The claim that Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. attacks is True. The endorsement from Iran's parliament to consider closing the strait in response to U.S. military strikes is well-documented and reported by multiple credible sources. While the final decision remains pending, the parliamentary action itself constitutes a legitimate threat that reflects the current geopolitical tensions.
