Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz to all vessels amid renewed US attacks

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters announced early Thursday the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels amid escalating tensions and hostilities in the region.

In a statement carried by Iranian state TV, the headquarters said the strategic waterway had been closed to all traffic, including oil tankers and commercial ships, due to what it described as insecurity in the region.

It warned that “any movement” through the strait would be targeted.

The statement said the decision came following what it described as continued “American aggression” and recent US attacks on areas in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province.

Khatam al-Anbiya also rejected US claims regarding the continued passage of ships through the strait.

Separately, the Persian Gulf Waterway Management Authority (PGSA) said in a post on X that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until further notice.

“Due to tensions created by the aggressor US forces in the region and the statement issued by Iran’s armed forces last night, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until further notice,” the authority said.

It added that applicants who had already received transit permits should remain patient and await further guidance from the authority.

The developments came after Iranian media reported explosions, air defense activity, and airstrikes across parts of southern Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Minab, Jask, Qeshm, and Sirik.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) earlier announced that American forces had launched additional “self-defense” strikes against multiple targets in Iran.