Iran declares Strait of Hormuz completely closed after U.S. attacks

Tehran, Iran – Iran's military has declared the Strait of Hormuz completely closed in retaliation for recent U.S. strikes on targets in southern Iran, according to a statement broadcast by state radio. The military leadership asserted that any ship attempting to transit the strategically vital waterway would be attacked. The official justification for the measure cited the "changed security situation" following the U.S. attacks. All vessels, including oil tankers and cargo ships, are now prohibited from passing through the strait, which is crucial for global trade.

This announcement came shortly after state radio reported that two ships had been fired upon. The U.S. military confirmed it had launched new attacks on targets in Iran overnight, ordered by President Donald Trump. Iranian state media reported explosions in several port cities along the country's southern coast.

Since the beginning of the conflict in late February, Iran had largely paralyzed shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through threats and attacks on vessels. While Tehran had maintained the strait was not blocked, shipping companies were required to coordinate with Iranian contact points and use a specific corridor near the Iranian coast, often incurring high fees.

The U.S. responded in mid-April by imposing a naval blockade against Iran, aiming to cut off oil revenues. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical export route for fertilizer, oil, and liquefied natural gas, significantly impacting the global economy. For Iran, oil exports represent its most important economic pillar.