Iran Announces Full Closure of Strait of Hormuz, Warns Against Any Violation
Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz closed to all maritime traffic following U.S. attacks, warning that any violation of the closure will face a decisive response.
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Iranian military authorities on Wednesday announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic following escalating confrontation with the United States and U.S. military attacks on several areas in Iran’s southern Hormozgan Province.
In an official statement, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters declared that, effective immediately, the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all types of vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships. The headquarters warned that any violation of the closure order would be met with military action.
The announcement came amid growing reports of military clashes in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
IRGC Declares Strait Closed Until Further Notice
Separately, the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until further notice following what it described as repeated violations of ceasefire conditions by the United States.
The IRGC warned all vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman not to leave their anchorages and not to approach the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the statement, any attempt to approach the strategic waterway will be regarded as cooperation with the enemy.
The commander of the IRGC Navy further warned oil tankers and commercial vessels that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully closed and that any violation of the restriction will be dealt with decisively.
Military Tensions Intensify Across Southern Iran
Prior to the closure announcement, several military developments were reported across southern Iran and the Persian Gulf region.
Iranian air defense systems were activated in western Tehran, while multiple explosions were reported near Sirik and Minab in southern Iran.
The IRGC Public Relations Office also announced that an F-16 fighter jet that entered Persian Gulf airspace was forced to retreat after Iranian air defense systems launched a missile toward the aircraft.
In a separate development, the IRGC Navy stated that two vessels were struck after attempting what it described as an illegal passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Additional reports indicated armed clashes between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz area, including the launch of Iranian cruise missiles toward U.S. vessels following attacks on Iranian assets.
Iran Vows Crushing Response to Further U.S. Aggression
The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters stated that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will deliver a “crushing and decisive” response to any act of aggression carried out by the U.S. military in the region.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington had informed Tehran through Qatar that military pressure would increase unless Iran accepted the terms of a proposed agreement, with the strikes intended to force Iran to concede to American demands.
Responding to that approach, former U.S. chief negotiator for Iran Robert Malley said military pressure would not alter Tehran’s position.
“If they truly believe this, they will once again discover that pressure will not change Iran’s stance,” Malley said.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors. Roughly one-fifth of globally traded oil passes through the narrow waterway, making any disruption there a matter of significant international concern. (PW)