Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic following reported U.S. strikes and military confrontations in the region, according to Iranian military and media sources.
Iran’s Joint Military Command warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the strategic waterway would be considered a target. The order reportedly applies to both oil tankers and commercial ships.
Iranian media claimed that two vessels were struck after allegedly violating the restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. The reports have not been independently verified.
The development comes amid heightened tensions after recent U.S. military actions against targets inside Iran. Iranian media reported clashes between U.S. naval forces and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) near the Strait of Hormuz, alleging that Iranian forces launched missile and drone attacks against American warships.
Meanwhile, explosions were reported in several Iranian locations, including Fars Province, western Tehran, Bandar Abbas, Minab, Sirik, Qeshm, Hengam, Kish Island, and the port city of Gorgan.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it had launched additional defensive strikes against multiple targets in Iran, claiming the operations were a response to what it described as Iran’s ongoing and unprovoked aggression.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, carrying a significant portion of global oil and gas exports. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway could have major implications for international trade and energy markets.
