Iran Shuts Strait of Hormuz, Threatens to Target All Ships After New US Strikes

Iran Shuts Strait of Hormuz, Threatens to Target All Ships After New US Strikes

Iran has announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime oil routes, following a fresh wave of US airstrikes on Iran, escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

The announcement was made on Thursday by Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the strategic waterway would be considered a legitimate target.

According to statements carried by Iranian state media and the Tasnim News Agency, Iranian military authorities declared that the Strait of Hormuz had been “completely closed to all types of vessels,” including commercial ships and oil tankers.

“Any vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted,” the command said, accusing the United States of continuing military aggression against Iran.

Iranian naval officials, quoted by state television IRIB and the Mehr News Agency, also claimed that two vessels attempting to transit the waterway were struck after allegedly violating the closure order.

The development came shortly after the United States launched another round of military operations against Iranian targets, marking the second consecutive night of strikes ordered by US President Donald Trump.

READ ALSO:

• US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran After Apache Helicopter Downing
• Oyo School Abduction: IGP Deploys DIGs, Orders Nationwide Crackdown on Unregistered Vehicles
• 12 Killed, Nine Injured in Deadly South Africa Mass Shooting

In a statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces had carried out additional military action against multiple targets inside Iran.

“US 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,” CENTCOM said.

“The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.”

US officials said the operation targeted military facilities, surveillance systems, communications infrastructure and air defence assets believed to pose threats to American forces and international shipping in the region.

Earlier, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled that further military action could follow if Iran failed to agree to terms being pursued by the Trump administration.

The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, serving as a passage for a significant portion of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

The closure announcement immediately sent shockwaves through global financial and energy markets, with oil prices surging amid concerns that a prolonged disruption could impact international energy supplies and shipping routes.

However, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the actual status of maritime traffic through the waterway. While Iranian authorities insist the route is fully closed and under military enforcement, US officials have challenged the claim, maintaining that shipping activity remains possible.

The latest escalation has heightened fears of a broader confrontation in the Middle East, with governments, energy traders and shipping companies closely monitoring developments in the Iran-US conflict and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is considered vital to global trade, making any disruption a matter of international concern.

Iran Shuts Strait of Hormuz, Threatens to Target All Ships After New US Strikes