US launches strikes as Iran says Strait of Hormuz closed

The US military conducted new airstrikes against Iran following an attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces on a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The US military's CENTCOM confirmed the strikes, stating that a civilian crew member is missing and the attacked ship suffered extensive damage to its engine room, rendering it unable to continue its journey. These retaliatory strikes were reportedly ordered by US President Donald Trump. Earlier, Iran had announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing that a vessel had traveled on an unauthorized route and was subsequently struck. Iran's Navy issued a warning that any retaliation over the incident would be met with a "severe response." The IRGC stated that several ships disregarded warnings to correct their course through the waterway. The closure was declared "until further notice" and until "the end of US interference in this region." Senior US officials demanded that Iran publicly commit to halting attacks on ships in the strait and ensure free passage. President Trump indicated that talks between the US and Iran would continue despite the escalating hostilities, while also declaring an end to a prior ceasefire. Mediators were attempting to arrange negotiations between Iran, the US, Qatar, and Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with his Omani counterpart in Oman to discuss safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with Omani and Iranian negotiators agreeing to continue technical and political discussions. Oman has been mediating efforts to de-escalate the conflict, which has destabilized the Gulf and impacted global energy prices since airstrikes on Iran began on February 28. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's oil supply transited, has seen its effective blockade by Iran cause energy prices to surge and fuel global inflation.

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A vessel that had jeopardized maritime security by switching off its systems was struck and brought to a halt.