Iran warns it will target all vessel traffic in Strait of Hormuz

Iran threatened on Thursday to target any vessel attempting to transit the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, claiming it had already struck two ships trying to pass through the waterway as tensions with the United States escalated and diplomatic efforts stalled.

The warning came after the United States launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iran on Wednesday. President Donald Trump said Washington would “hit them hard,” accusing Tehran’s negotiators of “playing us for suckers.”

According to Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya military command, the Strait of Hormuz has been “completely closed” to all vessel traffic and any ship attempting to transit the route would be considered a target. The statement was reported by Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy, cited by state broadcaster IRIB and the Mehr news agency, said two vessels attempting to “illegally” pass through the strait had been struck. The force claimed the closure would remain in effect “until further notice,” accusing the United States of repeatedly violating a ceasefire.

Iranian authorities also warned ships anchored in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman not to approach the Strait of Hormuz, saying any such movement would be viewed as cooperation with an enemy force.

Meanwhile, Iranian media reported explosions across southern parts of the country near the Strait of Hormuz, an area that had already been targeted by US strikes on air defense systems, radar installations and other military sites earlier this week.