Iran’s military command announced on Thursday that it would target any vessel attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions as efforts to end the ongoing conflict showed little sign of progress.
The warning came a day after the United States launched a new round of strikes against Iranian targets. US President Donald Trump pledged to intensify military action, accusing Iranian negotiators of delaying efforts to reach a settlement and declaring that Washington would “hit them hard.”
According to statements carried by Iranian media outlets, the Khatam al-Anbiya military command said all vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a target. The command described the strategic waterway as “completely closed” to all forms of maritime traffic.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy said two vessels attempting to pass through the strait had been struck. The force claimed the action was taken after what it described as repeated violations of a ceasefire by the United States.
In statements reported by state television and official news agencies, Iranian military officials warned ships not to leave their anchorages in the Arabian Gulf or the Sea of Oman. They also stated that approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be viewed as cooperation with hostile forces.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, connecting Gulf oil producers to international markets. Any disruption to shipping through the narrow waterway has the potential to affect global energy supplies and international trade.
Reports from Iranian media also indicated that explosions were heard in several southern regions of the country near the strait. The area has been the focus of recent military activity following US strikes on Iranian air defence systems, radar installations and other military sites earlier in the week.
Despite Iran’s announcement, the United States disputed claims that military vessels had been successfully targeted. US military officials said no American warships operating in the area had been struck.
The US Central Command also stated that commercial shipping continued to move through the Strait of Hormuz despite Iranian declarations that the passage had been closed.
The conflicting accounts highlighted growing uncertainty over the security situation in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. Shipping companies, energy markets and regional governments are closely monitoring developments as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.
Diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict have also struggled to gain traction. The latest military exchanges have deepened concerns that the confrontation could expand further, increasing risks to regional stability and international commerce.
With both sides issuing strong warnings and military operations continuing, attention is now focused on whether diplomatic channels can be revived before the situation escalates further.
