Iran's IRGC Declares Closure of Strait of Hormuz, Sparking Global Energy Supply Fears

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has reportedly announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic. According to reports from Reuters and the Tehran Times, the announcement was made via VHF radio, signaling a major escalation in regional tensions. As one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, the closure poses an immediate threat to global energy security. Markets are reacting with significant volatility, as traders weigh the potential for a massive supply shock in the crude oil market. Safe-haven assets like Gold (XAU/USD) are seeing increased demand, while global equity markets face downward pressure. This geopolitical development remains highly fluid as the international community monitors the situation for further escalations.