The Strait of Hormuz has become the center of a new geopolitical shock.
Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that the Strait of Hormuz could remain closed for an extended period, using the vital oil shipping route as leverage in the escalating conflict with the United States and its allies.
Nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply moves through this narrow passage, making it one of the most important energy corridors on the planet. Any prolonged blockade could send oil prices sharply higher and disrupt global energy markets. 
In his first public message after taking power, Khamenei signaled a more aggressive stance, warning that Iran would continue pressure in the Gulf and potentially target U.S. interests in the region while maintaining the Hormuz blockade as a strategic tool.
For global markets, the risk is not just military escalation but supply disruption. Tanker traffic has already fallen sharply and energy markets are reacting to the possibility that the crisis could stretch for weeks or longer.
If the waterway remains blocked, the world could be facing one of the largest energy shocks in decades.