Iran announces Strait of Hormuz blockade; U.S. sees no military action

Iran's military command announced on Thursday the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transport. The Hatam al-Anbiya Central Command cited alleged violations of a truce agreement by the United States and Israel as the reason for this "first step" in response to continued attacks.

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We have not seen any Iranian military movements in the field that would indicate a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

However, U.S. defense officials have stated they have not seen any evidence of Iran actually blockading the strait. A senior U.S. defense official told Axios that "we have not seen any Iranian military movements in the field that would indicate a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz." Vice President J.D. Vance also noted that "16 million barrels of crude oil have been transported through the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours alone," suggesting the waterway remains effectively open.

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There is no evidence that Iran is currently blockading the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the heightened tensions, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Iran's state television reported that its negotiation team is traveling to Switzerland for discussions with the U.S. Vice President Vance confirmed that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are already in Switzerland coordinating talks, and he expects to travel there himself within days. This suggests that while both sides are increasing pressure, they are maintaining channels for negotiation.

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16 million barrels of crude oil have been transported through the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours alone. This is equivalent to the level before the war actually started, indicating that the strait is now effectively open.