Iran’s top military command has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying tensions in the Gulf and raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies.
The announcement came on Thursday, a day after fresh US military strikes on Iranian targets. Iranian authorities said the strategic waterway is now closed to all oil tankers and commercial vessels.
In a brief statement, the military warned that any ship attempting to pass through the strait would be treated as a target.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, serving as a critical passage for crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports from the Gulf region.
A significant share of global energy supplies moves through the narrow channel each day.
The latest move marks a major escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States and could have far-reaching consequences for international shipping, energy markets and global trade.
There was no immediate reaction from Washington, while shipping companies and regional governments continued to monitor developments closely.
The closure comes amid growing hostilities in the Middle East following a series of military exchanges between Iran, the United States and its allies.
