Iran's parliament has decided to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, leaving final approval to the country's National Security Council. The move came as tensions in the region peaked over the ongoing exchange of attacks between Iran and Israel on June 22, 2025. The decision followed US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities that sparked shipping chaos and new threats from Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Following the US strikes on facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan on Sunday night, 17 oil tankers left the Gulf to avoid the risks, while only three vessels dared to enter the region. According to the Marine Traffic website, ships leaving the Gulf moved in organized groups for fear of interception, while 37 ships lingered in front of the Strait of Hormuz, assessing the safety of passage. Among them, the British-flagged tanker Mountains of Maru changed course, heading south, a sign of growing instability.

The conflict escalated after the US backed Israel by attacking Iranian targets with bunker busters and cruise missiles. Iran responded by firing rockets at Israeli cities and also attacked the Ghadir base, a Revolutionary Guard missile base in Yazd, and Bushehr International Airport. According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, the explosions at Bushehr disrupted the airport, although there were no casualties reported. Israel, for its part, continued its operations, targeting Iranian military targets.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have also stepped up their activities. Yemeni army spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed their intention to attack American vessels in the Red Sea, calling on Washington to withdraw its ships from the country’s territorial waters. Mohammed al-Buheiti, a member of the Houthi politburo, said the ceasefire with the US, reached in May 2025, was no longer valid due to the American actions. According to Middle Eastern sources, the Houthis have deployed additional drone launchers in the Hodeida area, increasing their threat.

Tensions have also spilled over into Iraq. The US embassy in Baghdad has been partially evacuated, a US embassy official told Al Jazeera. Some staff have left the country due to rising risks in the region, indicating fears of escalation. In Iran, authorities have stepped up security at strategic sites, including oil terminals in Bandar Abbas, in preparation for possible retaliatory strikes.

Analysts say the decision to close the Strait of Hormuz reflects Iran's strategic calculation to use control of the oil routes as leverage. Israel, for its part, continues to ramp up air operations, using F-15 fighter jets to attack Iranian targets.