Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers and commercial vessels following fresh military strikes by the United States, escalating tensions in one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.
Iran’s Joint High Command said any vessel attempting to pass through the strategic waterway would be targeted, according to reports by local media.
The development came after the US military confirmed it had launched attacks on several targets in Iran for a second consecutive day.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes began at 5.15pm New York time and were carried out in response to what it described as aggressive actions by Iran.
Iranian media subsequently reported multiple explosions near the Strait of Hormuz, including in the port city of Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island and the towns of Minab and Sirik.
Iranian sources claimed several locations in Qeshm, Kargan and Sirik were hit by enemy missile strikes.
The latest attacks followed US military action a day earlier after one of its Apache helicopters was reportedly shot down.
The renewed hostilities mark a significant deterioration in relations between Washington and Tehran despite both sides previously agreeing to a ceasefire in April.
US President Donald Trump said Washington would continue applying pressure on Iran until a peace agreement is reached.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused the US of targeting civilian infrastructure.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes were intended to pressure Iran into returning to negotiations.
In a separate development, Iran’s ISNA news agency reported that a delegation from Qatar had arrived in Tehran to discuss diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz could have significant implications for global energy markets, as the waterway serves as one of the world’s most important shipping routes for crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports from the Middle East.
