Iran Guards say closing Hormuz strait ‘until further notice’, state media report
Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and launched military strikes against neighbors following a confrontation with a Cyprus-registered vessel. The escalation involves missile and drone attacks across the region, further destabilizing the Middle East.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping lane; its closure and the associated military conflict pose significant risks to global energy supplies and regional security.
Tehran announced it was closing the Strait of Hormuz and launched missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbours, in retaliation for new US strikes following an attack by Iranian forces on a merchant vessel that was abandoned in flames by its crew.
Sirens and explosions were heard in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, AFP journalists and local authorities reported, the latest escalation to undermine an interim agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the Middle East war.
The Pentagon said it had struck Iran after the Revolutionary Guards force fired on a Cyprus-registered container ship which it said was sailing an “unauthorised route” through the strait.
The Guards then said they had hit a second vessel, according to state media, accusing it of “violating regulations”.
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