Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz

In an official message, the IRGC stated that the strait has been sealed and maritime transit is currently suspended.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, declaring that no vessel will be allowed to pass through the waterway until further notice.

In an official message, the IRGC stated that the strait has been sealed and maritime transit is currently suspended.

According to British media reports, nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most crucial maritime chokepoints globally. The strait is approximately 40 kilometers wide at its narrowest point.

The waterway serves as a primary export route for oil shipments from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iran to international markets.

Qatar, the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), also relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for its energy exports.

News agencies report that member states of OPEC export the majority of their crude oil to Asian countries through this critical passage.

The announcement is expected to have significant implications for global energy markets and maritime security, as the international community closely monitors developments in the region.

On the other hand, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that it targeted 14 US military bases in the region in response to alleged attacks by the United States and Israel.

According to an IRGC spokesperson, the strikes resulted in the deaths of “hundreds of American soldiers,” though independent verification of the claim has not yet been provided.

The spokesperson stated that Iran’s armed forces have launched a “powerful operation” that will continue with full force. He further warned that attacks on US bases would intensify in the coming days.

The claims come amid sharply escalating tensions in the region, with military developments unfolding rapidly and international observers closely monitoring the situation.