Live: Iran opens fire on ships travelling through Strait of Hormuz
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has closed the Strait of Hormuz again after two Indian-flagged ships reported being fired upon.
- The closure occurred just a day after Iran's foreign minister had declared the strait open to commercial traffic.
- US President Donald Trump commented that Iran "got a little cute" by re-closing the strait, but noted that US-Iran conversations were progressing well.
In a dramatic turn of events, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has once again declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, just 24 hours after the nation's foreign minister had announced its reopening to commercial vessels. This abrupt reversal follows reports from two Indian-flagged ships that they came under fire from IRGC gunboats as they attempted to transit the vital waterway. The IRGC issued a stark warning: any vessel attempting to approach the strait will be considered an enemy collaborator and targeted.
We warn that no ship, of any kind, should leave its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Any attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and the offending vessel will be targeted.
This latest move has predictably drawn sharp criticism. US President Donald Trump characterized Iran's action as "a little cute," suggesting a manipulative tactic. However, he also indicated that ongoing diplomatic conversations between the US and Iran were yielding positive results, with "very good" discussions reportedly underway. The situation remains tense, with the IRGC asserting its control over the strategic passage.
Iran 'got a little cute' by re-closing the strait, but added that US negotiators were now having 'very good' conversations with Iran that were 'working out really well'.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies, has been a focal point of geopolitical tensions. The conflicting signals from Tehranโfirst reopening, then closingโhighlight the complex and often volatile dynamics at play. While the IRGC emphasizes its authority and the need to prevent hostile actions, the international community, particularly nations reliant on maritime trade through the strait, will be closely monitoring developments and seeking de-escalation.
The Strait of Hormuz is closed again. Welcome to our live blog.
Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.