The Strait of Hormuz has been closed for nearly 12 weeks.
Foreign AffairsInternational
- Omissions
- The 'no sign of reopening' element is a subjective forward-looking assessment that cannot be definitively verified; it is consistent with available sources through early May 2026 but inherently reflects the MEP's interpretation rather than a measurable fact.
- The closure date varies slightly across sources: Tasnim News reported closure on February 28, 2026; Reuters cited IRGC confirmation on March 2, 2026; the US Congressional Research Service dates the declaration of closure to March 4, 2026. Depending on the reference date, the duration as of May 19 ranges from approximately 10 weeks and 6 days to 11 weeks and 4 days.
- None of the sources found were published on or before the session date of May 19, 2026 in a form the MEP could have cited — however, the data they describe (closure starting late February/early March 2026) falls within the correct reference period.
- Sources
- PrimaryTasnim News AgencyOn February 28, 2026, Tasnim reported: 'No vessel is allowed to cross the Strait of Hormuz following the attacks launched by the US and Israel against Iran.' IRGC declared the strait closed to all vessels.
- PrimaryCongressional Research Service (US Congress)CRS report states: 'Beginning on March 4, 2026, Iranian forces have declared the Strait "closed," threatening and carrying out attacks on ships attempting to transit.'
- SecondaryReutersReuters reported on March 2, 2026 that Iran vowed to attack any ship trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The closure was triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026.
- SecondaryEuronewsEuronews reported on April 8, 2026 that Iran had closed the Strait of Hormuz, with the White House calling it 'completely unacceptable.' The closure remained in effect with no resolution reported.
- SecondaryAl JazeeraAl Jazeera reported on April 28, 2026 that the Iranian military shut the strait following the February 28 strikes. The article discussed when the strait would be safe for commercial shipping again, indicating no reopening had occurred and no timeline was established.