Iran's Military Announces Complete Closure of Strait of Hormuz, Threatens Vessels

Iran's military declared the Strait of Hormuz completely closed to all types of vessels early Thursday. The announcement, issued by the Jatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned that any ship attempting to cross the vital waterway would be targeted.

This declaration comes amid a heightened regional tension, following a new wave of U.S. attacks against several points in Iran. These strikes were reportedly in retaliation for an Iranian attack on a U.S. helicopter earlier in the week. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps also claimed to have fired on two boats that tried to pass through Hormuz.

The Iranian military statement also dismissed a supposed "secret" operation announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had claimed this initiative allowed over 100 million barrels of oil to transit the strait. However, Trump had previously threatened to strike Iran "hard" and reiterated this warning through the Secretary of War.

The situation remains tense, with reports of reciprocal attacks between the U.S. and Iran on bases in nearby countries, despite White House claims of nearing a deal to end the conflict.