Iran Conducts Strait of Hormuz Drills Amid Threats to Global Oil Flow

As part of ongoing military exercises, Iran has temporarily closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping to implement "measures ensuring navigational safety,” reports Fararu. The drills, named "Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz,” aim to test the readiness of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and simulate potential response scenarios. Strategic Importance of the Strait The Strait of Hormuz is a critical energy artery, carrying about 20% of the world's oil and up to 30% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. Iran has repeatedly warned it could close the strait, most recently during these drills amid heightened tensions with the United States. Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC Navy, stated that the decision to close the strait rests with Iran's top leadership. "As a serviceman, I declare that we are ready to implement closure whenever instructed by our senior officers,” he said during the exercises, emphasizing that weapons used in real combat would differ from those demonstrated during drills.