Closed to allies, open to others: Iran's new decision on the Strait of Hormuz

Amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Iran has made a major decision on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important routes for international energy trade. The country's elite defense force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said that ships of the United States and Israel's allies have been banned from using this important waterway. However, there will be no restrictions on the movement of ships of countries that are not close allies of the United States or Israel.

IRGC spokesman Kiomars Heydari said in a statement to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency that ships of the United States, Israel and European countries, as well as their supporters and allies, will not be able to use the Strait of Hormuz. However, this route will remain open to other countries.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf, is very important for global energy supplies. About 20 percent of the world's daily oil and liquefied gas shipments pass through this narrow waterway. That's why it's often called the 'gateway to the world's energy'.

The major oil-producing countries in the Middle East use this route to export most of their oil. As a result, analysts believe that any tension or restriction in the Strait of Hormuz could have a major impact on the global energy market.

Since the conflict with the United States and Israel began on February 28, the IRGC has started issuing warnings to the crews of various ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. It is even reported that there have been attacks on some ships. According to the British organization UK Maritime Trade Operations, at least 10 oil tankers have been attacked since February 28.

According to analysts, Iran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz could have a major impact not only on the regional but also on the global economy and energy supply system. There is a risk that its impact will be felt quickly, especially in the international oil and gas markets.