TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz after its navy opened fire on a commercial vessel transiting what it described as an "unapproved route," prompting the United States to launch a fresh wave of military strikes against Iranian targets. The developments mark a sharp escalation in tensions across the Gulf, raising concerns over global energy supplies and regional security.
As reported by DW, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced early Sunday that the strategic waterway would remain closed "until further notice" and until what it called the end of "America's interventions in the region."
According to the IRGC, several vessels attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite the restriction. A warning shot reportedly struck one of the ships, forcing it to stop. Iranian authorities warned that no vessel would be allowed to transit the strait and vowed that any further military action against Iran would be met with a severe response targeting additional enemy bases in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any prolonged disruption could have far-reaching consequences for international shipping and energy markets.
The United States responded by launching another round of strikes against Iran, its third military operation this week. In a statement posted on X, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iranian forces had attacked the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM said the attack left one civilian crew member missing and caused damage that prevented the vessel from continuing its voyage. The US military said the retaliatory strikes were conducted under the orders of President Donald Trump.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the operation, writing on X while reposting CENTCOM's announcement: "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a commercial vessel also sustained damage about nine nautical miles off the coast of Oman.
The British maritime monitoring agency said military authorities reported that the rear section of a container ship had been damaged, triggering a fire on board. UKMTO did not immediately identify the vessel or disclose the cause of the damage.
Meanwhile, explosions were reported across several locations in southern Iran.
Iranian state-run Press TV reported blasts in the cities of Bushehr and Asaluyeh, while the semi-official Mehr News Agency reported explosions on Qeshm Island. Iran's state broadcaster IRIB also reported explosions in Bandar Abbas and Sirik, though authorities have not released details on the extent of the damage or possible casualties.
The latest escalation has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, as both Washington and Tehran continue exchanging military action and increasingly forceful rhetoric. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to intensify concerns over disruptions to international shipping and the stability of global energy markets.
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