The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced on February 28 that it had received numerous reports concerning a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for maritime energy transportation. However, the UKMTO emphasized that it has not been able to verify the authenticity of these reports. According to the UKMTO, several shipping companies in the Persian Gulf reported receiving information via radio about the strait being closed.

In addition, a naval official from the European Union’s naval task force, Aspides, stated that vessels have received radio messages from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps indicating that "no passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be allowed." However, this official also noted that the Iranian government has not formally acknowledged issuing such an order. The situation in the Strait is described as highly fluid, with the UKMTO continuing to monitor developments and update information as necessary.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint where approximately a quarter of the world’s maritime oil transportation occurs, affecting many countries, particularly in Asia, where nations like Japan rely heavily on oil imports through this route. If the strait is indeed blocked, a surge in oil prices and negative repercussions for the global economy are likely, heightening tensions in the region.