Iran’s military leadership on Thursday announced that any vessel attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a target, claiming that two ships had already been struck while trying to pass through the strategic waterway as efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict continued to stall.
The latest development came after the United States launched another round of attacks against Iranian targets on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump vowed to intensify military pressure, saying Washington would “hit them hard” while accusing Iranian negotiators of attempting to deceive the United States during ongoing diplomatic engagements.
According to Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command, all maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is now subject to attack, with authorities declaring that the crucial shipping route has been shut to every category of vessel.
The command, as cited by the Tasnim News Agency, stated that the strait is “completely closed to all types of vessel” and warned ships against attempting to navigate through the area.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy also announced that it had engaged and struck two vessels that allegedly attempted to move through the waterway despite the restrictions.
In statements carried by state broadcaster IRIB and the Mehr News Agency, the naval force said, “two ships attempting to illegally pass through the Strait of Hormuz were hit.”
The Guards further justified the move by accusing the United States of repeatedly violating an existing ceasefire arrangement.
“Following repeated violations of the ceasefire by the American enemy, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice,” the statement said.
Iranian authorities also issued a broader warning to commercial and military vessels operating within the region, advising them not to leave their current positions.
“We warn that no vessel should leave its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy,” the Revolutionary Guards stated.
Meanwhile, reports from Iranian media indicated that explosions were heard in several southern regions of the country near the Strait of Hormuz. The area has remained a focal point of military activity following US airstrikes earlier in the week that targeted Iranian air defence systems, radar installations and other military infrastructure.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors, serving as a key route for global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption to navigation through the passage is likely to have significant implications for international energy markets and regional security.
The latest exchange of threats and military actions underscores the growing tensions between Tehran and Washington, raising concerns about a wider escalation that could affect shipping operations, global trade and stability across the Middle East.
