TEHRAN, IRAN — Iran announced Thursday that it is closing the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic following a new round of U.S. military strikes, escalating tensions in one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command declared that all vessels entering the strait would be considered potential targets. Iranian officials said the decision came after U.S. forces carried out strikes against multiple targets inside Iran late Wednesday. According to U.S. Central Command, the attacks were launched in response to what it described as continued Iranian aggression and violations of a ceasefire agreement reached earlier this year.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and serves as a transit route for roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply. Any disruption to shipping through the narrow waterway could have significant consequences for global energy markets.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it had already targeted two oil tankers attempting to transit the strait. However, U.S. military officials disputed Iran’s assertion that the waterway had been fully closed, stating that commercial vessels were still moving through the region.
President Donald Trump warned that Iran would “pay the price” if hostilities continue, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the U.S. actions and accused Washington of escalating the conflict.
The developments come amid growing international concern about regional stability. Separately, 22 countries issued a joint statement calling on Iran to cease attacks against individuals on foreign soil and to reduce tensions throughout the Middle East.
Oil traders are closely monitoring the situation as markets assess the potential impact on global energy supplies and shipping routes.
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