Vance Warns Iran Against Closing Hormuz, Cites Economic Suicide

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has warned Iran that closing the Strait of Hormuz would amount to economic self-destruction. In an interview with NBC News, Vance stated that while Iran may consider such a move in retaliation for recent U.S. strikes, it would ultimately devastate its own economy and further destabilize global markets.

“All of their economy runs through the Strait of Hormuz,” Vance said. “If they want to destroy their own economy and cause global disruption, that’s their decision. But why would they do that? I don’t think it makes any sense.”

Vance refrained from confirming whether Iranian nuclear sites were entirely destroyed in last week’s precision strikes, instead emphasizing that the United States had “significantly delayed” Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons.

“We’ve degraded their capacity. That’s a win in itself,” he added, noting that Washington has received “some indirect signals from the Iranians” following the operation—though he declined to elaborate on the nature of those signals.

The comments come amid rising tensions in the Gulf after the Iranian parliament voted unanimously to approve the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to what Tehran described as U.S. aggression. The strait is a vital maritime chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply flows. Any disruption could have immediate and severe consequences for global energy markets.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth clarified that the American strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure were not aimed at regime change in Tehran. “This was about deterrence and delaying their nuclear ambitions, not overthrowing their government,” he stated at a press briefing.

Analysts warn that a full closure of the strait would likely trigger international military responses and could spiral into a wider regional conflict. However, for now, shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz continues, though under heightened security and military surveillance.