During the Israel-America-Iran war, the IRGC has closed the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, it has said that ships from all countries except China and Russia will be stopped.
SNPNEWS.IN News (Gurmail Kamboj): On February 28, during the attack on Iran by America and Israel, more than 500 people were killed (including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his family members, military officers, leaders, and even schoolgirls). In response, Iran (IRGC) targeted Israel as well as large-scale attacks on Arab countries in the Middle East. Iran carried out massive bombings on U.S. air bases, embassies, hotels, and residential areas in Arab countries.
Meanwhile, on March 2, Iran announced through state media via Brigadier General Ebrahim Jabari (senior adviser to the IRGC Commander-in-Chief) on March 2, 2026, that “the Strait of Hormuz is closed,” and if any ship attempts to pass, it will be set on fire by the IRGC and Navy. He also said, “Not a single drop of oil will leave the region,” and pipelines could also be targeted.
● This route, through which about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply passes, has been stopped.Hundreds of ships (container and oil tankers) are stuck or rerouting.
● Shipping companies have suspended services on this route, and insurance companies have imposed several restrictions due to the risks by changing rules.
● There could be a major surge in oil prices, which will impact the global economy.
Earlier, on February 28, 2026, the IRGC sent direct messages to ships via VHF radio that “no ship can pass through the strait.” Iran’s Foreign Minister (such as Abbas Araghchi) later said that it is not fully closed or no such formal decision has been taken, but due to the IRGC’s announcements and threats, ship traffic has almost stopped. The U.S. Navy (CENTCOM) said that technically the strait is open, but companies have stopped their ships due to the risks.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has almost closed the Strait of Hormuz and has allowed passage only to Chinese (and according to some reports, Russian) ships. This decision was taken after attacks on Iran by America and Israel, which has greatly increased tension in the region. Iran has described this decision as a “thank you” for China’s support, as China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil and has stood with Iran in this conflict. There is a ban on ships from all other countries (including India), and ships attempting illegal passage could be targeted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Read it: Gulf Countries on Iran’s Target; Attempts to Target American Fleet
Impact of IRGC’s Decision on India:
Due to Iran’s restrictions on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a major crisis has arisen for Indian ships and goods. Iran, which was once counted among India’s best allies, appears to have been lost due to the current Indian government’s foreign policy (tilt toward America and Israel), as in recent times the current Indian government has had a pro-America and pro-Israel tilt. Because of this, Iran announced the closure of passage through the Strait of Hormuz for ships from all countries except China and Russia.
After the IRGC’s announcement, Indian ships and shipping assets worth more than ₹10,000 crore are at risk. More than 1,100 Indian seafarers (sailors) are aboard them, and their safety is also a matter of concern. Many ships are loaded with crude oil, LPG, LNG, or other energy materials for India or are waiting to load. This is directly affecting India’s energy supply. About 50% of India’s crude oil and 85% of LPG comes through this route.
The Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) has written a letter to the government stating that approximately 27 to 37 Indian-flagged vessels are stuck in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and surrounding areas. INSA has written to Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal demanding diplomatic talks with Iran and Israel to open a safe route for Indian ships.
If this crisis drags on, oil and gas prices will rise, putting pressure on India’s strategic reserves. According to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, India has commercial and refinery stocks for 25 days of oil, strategic petroleum reserves for 9-10 days, LPG stocks for 80-85 days, and LNG stocks for a few days (LPG and LNG exports are mainly from Qatar, where production has stopped).
The government has said that there will be no major problem for 25-50 days, and there is no plan to increase fuel prices immediately.