Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Closed, Threatens All Passing Ships

Iran has declared the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy transport, threatening to attack any vessel attempting to pass through. The declaration came shortly after the United States announced it had conducted further airstrikes on targets within Iran.

The Iranian military's joint staff issued a statement confirming the closure of the strait. It explicitly warned that all ships transiting the strategic waterway would be considered legitimate targets for attack. This aggressive stance escalates regional tensions significantly.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed its involvement, stating it had carried out "additional self-defense strikes" against targets inside Iran on the same day. The specifics of the targets and the extent of the damage were not immediately detailed, but the confirmation indicates a direct military response from the U.S.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is critical, as approximately 20-30% of the world's oil consumption passes through it daily. Any disruption or conflict in this region has immediate and far-reaching implications for global energy markets and international shipping.