Iran has again shut down the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, escalating tensions with the United States following a blockade of the critical shipping channel. The closure, announced on Saturday, comes as Iranian forces fired on commercial vessels, with at least three attacks reported by a U.S. defense official.
The semi-official Fars news agency quoted an Iranian military official declaring that the Strait would remain closed until the U.S. ensures complete freedom of navigation for vessels. The official accused the U.S. of engaging in “banditry and maritime piracy” amid the ongoing blockade. U.S. Central Command confirmed that 23 ships have turned around under U.S. instructions since the blockade began earlier this week, though it’s unclear how many were affected post-closure.
Adding to the volatility, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched attacks on commercial ships in the Strait on Saturday morning. Reports from the U.K. Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) noted two incidents, while a U.S. official detailed three separate strikes. At least one ship sustained damage, though no injuries were reported.
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Among the targeted vessels were two Indian tankers, one carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil, according to TankerTrackers.com. Audio recordings from the attacks captured a ship receiving clearance to enter the Strait before coming under fire, prompting an immediate retreat.
The developments cast a shadow over fragile diplomatic efforts. Just hours before the closure, President Trump expressed optimism about a potential deal with Iran within days, claiming on Friday that Tehran had agreed to halt uranium enrichment permanently as part of U.S.-pushed stipulations. Negotiators from both sides were slated to meet this weekend for peace talks, but the latest actions raise doubts about whether those discussions will proceed.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil shipments, handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil transit.
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