Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz After Firing Warning Shots at Ship, Cites US Interference

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it fired warning shots and halted a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting the ship jeopardized maritime security in the crucial waterway. The IRGC stated on its Telegram channel, Sepah News, that the ship ignored warnings to correct its course after attempting to navigate an unauthorized route.

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The ship endangered maritime security in the strait.

Following this incident, the IRGC declared the Strait of Hormuz would be closed indefinitely until "US interference" in the region ceases. The statement explicitly forbade passage through the strait and warned that any further "aggression" against Iran by the US would be met with retaliatory attacks on "enemy bases" in the region.

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In response to this incident, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed indefinitely until the end of US interference in the region.

While the US government had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting, a US official confirmed to journalist Barak Ravid that the Revolutionary Guard had indeed fired a missile at a commercial ship attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The official indicated that the ship was hit and sustained severe damage. The IRGC Navy's statement also reiterated Iran's stance against "foreign interference" in determining shipping routes within the Strait, warning that such interference would provoke a decisive response from Iran.

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If the 'aggressor' launches new attacks against Iran, we will respond with further attacks on 'enemy bases' in the region.

The situation escalates tensions in a vital global shipping lane. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for oil transport, and any disruption carries significant implications for global energy markets. Iran's actions appear to be a direct response to perceived US actions in the region, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical friction.

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The Revolutionary Guards had previously stated that they would not tolerate 'foreign interference' in determining shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.