Iran declares Strait of Hormuz closed after 'unauthorised' vessel is struck

Iran announced on Sunday that it has shut the Strait of Hormuz, saying the decision followed an incident involving a vessel it described as violating maritime security. In a statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the ship had switched off its systems and was struck, later adding that several vessels attempted to move through the strait using an “unauthorised route” and disregarded warnings to correct their course.

The IRGC said the waterway is closed “until further notice,” and linked the closure to the “end of U.S. interference” in the region. It also warned that acts of aggression against Iran would be met with a “severe response,” and that new targets could be pursued.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Oman’s counterpart in the Gulf state to discuss “appropriate mechanisms” for the safe passage of ships through the strait. Oman later said negotiations would continue at both technical and political levels.

The dispute comes amid broader tensions between Iran and the United States over the ceasefire and shipping lanes, with energy markets watching developments closely because of the strait’s critical role in global oil flows.