Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the most critical transit point for global maritime trade and oil transport, has been completely halted.
According to sea-news.az that this was stated in an official declaration released by Iran’s Gulf Control Authority on the “X” social media platform.
“Vessels attempting to pass are putting themselves in danger.” The statement justified the closure of the strait by citing escalating military tensions in the region:
“Due to the illegal actions recently carried out by the United States Armed Forces in the region, transit through the Strait of Hormuz is currently impossible. Once the situation stabilizes and calm is restored, all requests will be reviewed in the order they were submitted, and necessary permits will be granted.”
The Naval Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also issued a warning statement regarding the matter. The agency stated that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed since last night and will remain closed until a special decision is made by the Iranian authorities. It was emphasized that any commercial or military vessel attempting to pass through the strait despite the ban will directly put itself in harm’s way.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz follows a military confrontation that has reached a peak in the region. Previously, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had conducted airstrikes on approximately 140 targets within Iranian territory last night. Washington stated that this large-scale operation was carried out in response to Tehran’s strike on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran, in turn, responded to this US action by launching missile strikes on American military facilities in the Middle East. Countries in the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Qatar, issued official statements confirming that the airstrikes carried out by Iran were intercepted by their respective air defense systems.
Tensions remain high in the region and along strategic maritime routes, while international shipping companies are currently considering alternative routes.
