Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all vessels following new US strikes on Iran, warning that any ship attempting to pass through the waterway could be targeted, according to CNN.
"Effective immediately, due to insecurity in the region, the Strait of Hormuz is declared closed to all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships," the IRGC said in a post on its official Telegram channel, as cited by CNN. "Any vessel attempting to transit the strait will be targeted," the statement added.
Clashes and Strikes in the Region
Al Jazeera reported, citing Iranian media, that heavy clashes and an exchange of fire have occurred in the Strait of Hormuz between US forces and naval units of Iran's IRGC. US forces are said to have struck seven coastal locations so far, with attacks reported in and around Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Qeshm Island, and Hengam Island.
The IRGC Navy stated that two vessels attempting to illegally transit the Strait of Hormuz have been struck. Meanwhile, two residents of Kargan in Minab County were injured by shrapnel following a US strike, according to Press TV.
Explosions and Further Incidents
Citing Iranian media Mehr news agency, Al Jazeera reported fresh explosions in the port city of Bandar Abbas, noting that the blasts were linked to an incident in the eastern part of the city. Additional explosions were also reported in several other locations, including the southern towns of Sirik and Minab, as well as Qeshm Island and the northern city of Gorgan.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that its forces have begun launching additional self-defense strikes against multiple targets in Iran. It also stated that the action is in response to continued and "unwarranted" Iranian aggression.
In a post on X, the official account of US Central Command shared: "U.S. Central Command forces began launching additional self-defense strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief's direction. The strikes are in response to Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression."
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and its closure could have significant implications for international energy markets. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides engaging in military actions and rhetoric.
