Iran's military command announced on Thursday that it will target any vessel attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, following strikes on two ships that tried to pass through the strategic waterway. This escalation comes as negotiations to end the ongoing conflict appear to have stalled.
US Escalates Attacks
The United States launched a fresh wave of attacks against Iran on Wednesday, with President Donald Trump vowing to "hit them hard" after accusing Tehran's negotiators of "playing us for suckers." The strikes targeted Iranian air defense, radar, and other sites in the southern region near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Response
The Khatam Al-Anbiya command, quoted by the Tasnim news agency, stated that "any vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted" and that the strait is now "completely closed to all types of vessel." Iran's Revolutionary Guards navy, as reported by state television IRIB and the Mehr agency, confirmed that "two ships attempting to illegally pass through the Strait of Hormuz were hit."
Ceasefire Violations
In a statement, the Guards said: "Following repeated violations of the ceasefire by the American enemy, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice." They warned that "no vessel should leave its anchorage in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy."
Iranian media also reported explosions across the country's south near the Strait of Hormuz, the same area where US forces had already bombarded air defense, radar, and other sites on Tuesday. The situation remains tense as both sides show no signs of de-escalation.
