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Oil Tankers Burn as Iran Warns ‘Not One Litre’ Will Pass Through Strait of Hormuz
Iran has warned that no oil will pass through the vital Strait of Hormuz as attacks on shipping escalate, with tankers burning in Iraqi waters and fears mounting of a global energy shock.
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By Aurax Radio — Updated March 12, 2026
Smoke rises from an oil tanker after an attack in Iraqi waters amid escalating tensions in the Gulf.
Tensions in the Middle East have sharply escalated after Iran’s elite military warned that “not one litre of oil” will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, as attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure intensify during the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
The warning from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) comes as multiple oil tankers have been struck in the Gulf region, including two vessels set ablaze in Iraqi waters in attacks blamed on Iran-linked forces.
Shipping through the strategically vital strait — one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints — has slowed dramatically amid fears of further strikes, sending shockwaves through global oil markets.
Ship-tracking data shows a sharp drop in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to global markets and carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply
Tankers attacked as maritime security deteriorates
Tankers attacked as maritime security deteriorates
At least six commercial vessels have been hit in recent days across the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from shipping and security officials.
Two fuel tankers were set on fire after being struck by explosive-laden boats in Iraqi waters, killing at least one crew member, while other cargo ships suffered damage from projectiles and drone attacks.
In a separate incident, vessels were reportedly targeted by unmanned surface boats and sea mines, highlighting the growing threat to commercial shipping in the region.
The attacks mark a significant escalation in the maritime dimension of the conflict, which has increasingly spread beyond direct military exchanges.
Iran warns global oil supply could be cut
Iran warns global oil supply could be cut
Iranian officials say the disruption is a response to ongoing strikes on Iranian territory by U.S. and Israeli forces.
A spokesperson for the IRGC warned that the world should prepare for a scenario where oil cannot move through the Strait of Hormuz and suggested prices could surge dramatically if the conflict continues.
Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, making it one of the most critical arteries of global energy trade.
With ships avoiding the route and some ports suspending operations, several major Middle Eastern oil producers have reportedly been forced to cut production because they cannot ship crude.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard naval forces patrol the waters near the Strait of Hormuz.
Global oil price chart reacting to the crisis
Trump signals prolonged conflict
Trump signals prolonged conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated the conflict may continue, rejecting suggestions that hostilities are nearing an end.
Washington says its military operations are aimed at weakening Iran’s capabilities and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Gulf. The United States has also warned Tehran of severe consequences if it attempts to permanently block the strait.
Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency is reportedly preparing the largest coordinated release of strategic oil reserves in history, as governments attempt to calm markets amid fears of a supply shock.
Risk of global economic fallout
Risk of global economic fallout
Energy analysts warn that a prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger one of the biggest oil shocks in decades.
Oil prices have already surged as traders react to the attacks on tankers and the possibility that shipments from the Gulf could halt entirely.
If the strait were effectively closed, the impact could ripple across global supply chains, raising fuel prices, increasing inflation and disrupting energy supplies from the Middle East to Asia, Europe and beyond.
For now, shipping companies, insurers and governments are watching the narrow waterway closely — aware that the conflict has moved dangerously close to one of the world’s most critical economic lifelines.
Sources: Reuters, The Guardian
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