Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have announced the indefinite closure of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the Gulf following renewed military confrontations with the United States.
The announcement came after Iranian forces said they intercepted a vessel that allegedly ignored approved shipping routes.
According to state media, warning shots were fired before the ship was stopped, prompting authorities to suspend all maritime passage through the strategic waterway until further notice.
Tehran said the restriction would remain in place until what it described as the end of American military intervention in the region.
The Guards also warned that any further attacks against Iran would trigger strikes on additional enemy positions.
The development added fresh uncertainty to already fragile diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, with both sides divided over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
While Iran insisted it has the authority to regulate traffic through the passage, the United States maintains that international commercial vessels must enjoy unrestricted access.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest energy corridors, carrying about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
Any prolonged disruption is expected to heighten concerns over global energy supplies and could push oil prices higher.
Iran has previously defended its plans to regulate shipping and impose transit charges, but the United States argues that international law protects free navigation through such strategic waterways.
The latest move is likely to intensify geopolitical tensions and raise fears of wider economic consequences.
