Iranian Media Report Decision to Fully Close Strait of Hormuz, Raise Bab el-Mandeb Scenario

Local media reported that Iran and the so-called Axis of Resistance have decided to fully close the Strait of Hormuz. The reports also indicated Tehran may refuse to enter negotiations unless Israel halts military operations in Lebanon and Gaza.

According to crypto-focused outlet Blockbeats on June 1, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that Iran and the Axis of Resistance had decided on a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Tasnim also raised the possibility that other fronts, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, could be brought into play as part of the response.

Tasnim reported that Iran would not enter negotiations until demands for Israel to stop military operations in Lebanon and Gaza are met.

Iranian officials called on Israel to immediately halt military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. They also reportedly argued that Israel must fully withdraw from occupied areas in Lebanon before negotiations resume.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global seaborne shipments of crude oil and liquefied natural gas. If a closure were to materialize, concerns over energy supply disruptions would increase, adding pressure to international oil prices and sentiment toward risk assets.

Markets are watching for signs that uncertainty surrounding ceasefire talks between the US and Iran is widening again. Concerns over Middle East-driven volatility have also intensified after earlier reports said Iran’s negotiating team planned to suspend talks through mediators and the exchange of documents.