Iran Announces Indefinite Closure of Strait of Hormuz Amid US Tensions
The Islamic Republic of Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice, according to state media. The decision, announced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), will remain in effect "until the end of American interference in this region." The IRGC warned that any US "aggression" in response would be met with "severity" and that new US bases in the region would be targeted.
The announcement follows a series of incidents this week in which three commercial tankers were attacked. Iran has accused the US of recommending unsafe routes through Omani waters, insisting that the only safe passage is a separate route through its own waters. The IRGC reported that it had fired a warning shot at another ship that had deviated from the approved route and switched off its systems.
The attacks prompted US strikes that, according to Iranian officials, killed 17 people and injured 115. Iran retaliated with strikes on US allies in the Gulf. US President Donald Trump stated that the Iranian attacks had effectively ended the ceasefire, though he added that talks would continue and mediators were working to revive the process.
US media has reported that Iran informed American officials that the tanker attacks were a mistake and blamed a rogue internal group. American officials have reportedly demanded, through mediators, that Iran publicly guarantee the Strait of Hormuz remains open and pledge to cease firing on commercial vessels.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital international shipping route, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes. The closure threatens global energy supplies and has raised concerns about a broader conflict in the region.
