Iran's military announced a complete closure of the strategic waterway in response to U.S. strikes, warning of military action against vessels attempting passage.
5:03 PM
Iran's armed forces announced Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all navigation effective immediately, citing lack of security in the region following renewed United States strikes on Iranian territory.
The Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters of the Iranian armed forces issued the declaration through Iranian state television. The statement specified that the closure applies to all types of vessels, including oil tankers and merchant ships, and warned that any attempt to pass through would be met with military strikes.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval forces said they have already struck two vessels attempting to transit the Strait. The IRGC did not provide additional details about the vessels or the extent of damage from those strikes.
The announcement came in response to what Iranian officials characterized as renewed U.S. strikes on Iranian territory. The timing and specific nature of those strikes were not detailed in the Iranian military statement.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass daily. The waterway separates Iran from Oman and connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
U.S. Central Command later disputed Iran's claim of closure, though the full extent of CENTCOM's statement was not immediately available in the sources reviewed.
Iran warned foreign vessels will be targeted if they do not comply with passage regulations through the strategic waterway.
Iran proposes ending its control of the strategic waterway and the war in exchange for lifting U.S. sanctions, postponing nuclear talks.
Two U.S. military vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz under Project Freedom, an operation to clear blocked commercial shipping, as Iran claimed missile strikes.
Pakistani ambassador says opening the waterway is now the main topic in talks, though it was not initially on the agenda.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy said it seized two container vessels for maritime violations as tensions escalate over competing blockades in the strategic waterway.
Qatar has deployed mediators to Iran as negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting US sanctions approach a critical phase.
