Fresh tensions have erupted in the Middle East after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, while the United States insisted the vital international waterway remains open to commercial shipping.
The latest dispute follows renewed military exchanges between both countries after Iran reportedly attacked a commercial vessel in the strategic waterway.
In a statement carried by Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the Revolutionary Guards announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until further notice.
“Following this incident… the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice and until the end of American interventions in this region,” the Guards said.
However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) dismissed the claim, insisting that ships are still free to navigate through the strait.
“The Strait of Hormuz is open to all vessels seeking to lawfully transit the international waterway… Iran does not control the strait. Traffic is flowing,” CENTCOM said in a statement on X.
The disagreement comes after Iran reportedly targeted two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing them of violating navigation regulations.
The United States responded with another wave of airstrikes, saying its military struck about 140 targets across Iran in retaliation.
Iranian authorities reported explosions in several locations, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Jask, Qeshm Island and parts of Khuzestan Province.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes, saying Iran had attacked a commercial ship despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“We hit them very hard last night,” Trump said.
The confrontation also spilled into neighbouring countries, with explosions and missile alerts reported in Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Jordan.
Meanwhile, Oman summoned Iran’s ambassador after Iranian forces claimed to have targeted facilities linked to US naval operations at the Port of Duqm.
The latest attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz also left one Indian sailor missing, while 23 crew members were rescued from another commercial vessel, according to Omani authorities.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime routes, carrying roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets.
Efforts to revive diplomatic talks continue, with Pakistan calling for de-escalation and urging both countries to resolve their differences through dialogue.
Source: AFP.
