Iran's IRGC declares Strait of Hormuz closed to all vessels after new US strikes

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz "closed to all vessels" on Wednesday, citing "insecurity in the region" after new U.S. strikes on Iran. The IRGC issued a stark warning: any ship attempting to transit the vital waterway risks being targeted.

The declaration follows reports of intense fighting between U.S. forces and the IRGC navy in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it had launched "additional self-defense strikes" against multiple targets in Iran, describing the action as a response to "continued and unwarranted Iranian aggression."

“

Effective immediately, due to insecurity in the region, the Strait of Hormuz is declared closed to all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships. Any vessel attempting to transit the strait will be targeted.

According to Al Jazeera, citing Iranian media, U.S. forces struck seven coastal locations, with attacks reported near Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Qeshm Island, and Hengam Island. The IRGC navy stated it had struck two vessels attempting to "illegally" pass through the strait. Press TV reported that two residents in Kargan were injured by shrapnel from a U.S. strike. Fresh explosions were also reported in Bandar Abbas and other southern towns.

CENTCOM stated its forces initiated the strikes at 5:15 p.m. ET, acting under the direction of the Commander in Chief. The command's official X account reiterated that the action was a direct response to Iran's ongoing aggression. The escalating tensions in the crucial waterway raise significant concerns for global oil supply and maritime security.

“

U.S. Central Command forces began launching additional self-defence strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief's direction. The strikes are in response to Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression.