Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all maritime traffic following a new round of US military strikes, dramatically escalating tensions in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
In a statement posted on its official Telegram channel, the IRGC said the closure would take effect immediately and apply to all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships.
“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 statement said, adding, “Any vessel attempting to transit the strait will be targeted.”
The announcement came after US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces had launched additional “self-defense strikes” against multiple targets in Iran, marking the latest escalation in the conflict between Washington and Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. A significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes through the narrow waterway each day.
