Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed while the US maintains it is open|CC BY 4.0
Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, blaming rising tensions caused by recent US military actions in the region.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority said all vessels, including those that had already received transit permits, should wait for further instructions. However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) maintained that the vital shipping route remains open to commercial traffic.
The latest escalation followed US “self-defense” strikes launched after the reported downing of an American military helicopter. Fighting has intensified as both sides exchanged fresh attacks across the Middle East for a third consecutive day.
US strikes reportedly injured three people near Tehran, while Iran claimed it launched missiles at US-linked military facilities in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
President Donald Trump warned that Washington would strike Iran “very hard” again, accusing Tehran of delaying negotiations.
The crisis is already widening and has claimed civilian lives. India confirmed that three of its nationals were killed after a US strike disabled the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman.
Meanwhile, oil prices slipped on Thursday after an early rally triggered by the latest escalation. Brent crude fell 0.6% to $92.57 a barrel, while US crude dropped 0.4% to $89.67.
However, concerns over global energy supplies remain high as tensions in the region continue to mount.