Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following fresh U.S. military strikes, escalating tensions in the Gulf region and threatening global oil supply chains.
Iranian commanders declared that any vessel attempting passage through the strait would be targeted, with reports of two ships already struck. The U.S. military confirmed new strikes on Iranian targets, describing them as defensive actions against continued aggression.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint, handling nearly 20% of global oil trade. Its closure is expected to disrupt shipping routes, spike energy prices, and raise insurance costs for commercial carriers worldwide.
Heavy clashes were reported near Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Sirik, with explosions across Iranian coastal cities. Civilian casualties have been confirmed, including Indian seafarers killed in a strike on a tanker off Oman, prompting India to lodge a strong protest with Washington.
Regional states are on high alert, with Kuwait briefly suspending air traffic and Bahrain reporting injuries from intercepted Iranian drones. The situation underscores the risk of direct confrontation between U.S. and Iranian forces, alongside humanitarian concerns for civilians caught in the conflict.
