Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz, Citing Illegal US Movements
Iran has doubled down on its position that passage through the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, even as the US Central Command (CENTCOM) claims that traffic is flowing and dismisses Tehran's authority over the critical waterway. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), an Iranian maritime body established to regulate transit, announced in a post on X that the strait is closed due to recent illegal movements by the US military. Transit will only be permitted through a transit permit issued by PGSA, and requests will be reviewed as soon as stability and calm are restored.
PGSA stated: 'We hereby inform all esteemed applicants. Due to the recent illegal movements of the United States military forces in the region, passage through the Strait of Hormuz is currently not possible. As soon as stability and calm are restored, all requests will be reviewed based on the schedule, and the necessary permits will be issued.'
US CENTCOM Rejects Iranian Authority, Declares Strait Open
Shortly after the Iranian announcement, CENTCOM posted on X that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all vessels seeking to lawfully transit the international waterway. The command stated that US forces are positioned and prepared to ensure freedom of navigation despite what it called 'unwarranted Iranian aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations.' It explicitly declared: 'Iran does not control the strait. Traffic is flowing.'
This direct contradiction highlights the escalating tensions between the two nations over control of one of the world's most strategic maritime chokepoints.
IRGC Announces Closure Until US Ends Intervention
Earlier on Saturday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, according to Press TV. The IRGC stated that the waterway would remain shut until the United States ends its interference in the West Asia region. The IRGC Navy also warned that any further military action against Iran under the pretext of the waterway's closure would draw a strong response, including targeting additional enemy bases in the region.
The IRGC statement said: 'The Strait of Hormuz has been closed until further notice and will remain closed until the United States ends its intervention in the region. No vessel will be permitted to transit the strait.' It added that responsibility for any consequences would rest with the United States, Israel, and countries hosting military facilities used for operations against Iran.
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Impact
These developments come as Qatari negotiators travel to Iran in an effort to ease tensions and create conditions for the resumption of US-Iran talks following recent military escalations. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for about one-fifth of the world's oil supply, and any prolonged closure could have significant impacts on global energy markets.
