Iran’s military command announced on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed to all shipping traffic, warning that any vessel attempting to pass through the strategic waterway would be subject to attack. Iranian state media said the measure was taken in response to recent U.S. military actions and the deteriorating security situation in the region.
According to Iranian state television, the closure applies to all vessels, including oil tankers, cargo ships, and commercial traffic, dismissing U.S. claims that maritime passage remains safe, arguing that current conditions in the Gulf make normal navigation impossible.
The military warned that any ship attempting to enter the strait would be considered a potential target, rews agencies report.
However, the United States has challenged Iran’s assertion that the strait is fully closed. U.S. Central Command said commercial vessels continue to move through the area and reported that no American warships had been struck despite Iranian claims of attacks on U.S. naval assets.
The latest development comes amid a broader escalation between Washington and Tehran following recent military exchanges in the Gulf region. Analysts warn that a prolonged disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could further increase oil prices, strain global supply chains, and deepen geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.
