Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz After Vessel Incident

An aerial view of the Iranian shores and the island of Qeshm in the strait of Hormuz, December 10, 2023.

Iran on Sunday announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel travelling on what it described as an unauthorised route was struck, warning that any retaliation would be met with a "severe response."

In a statement, the Navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said a vessel that had "jeopardised maritime security" by switching off its tracking systems was struck and brought to a halt, but did not disclose the identity of the ship.

The IRGC said several vessels had attempted to pass through the strategic waterway using an "unauthorised route" and ignored repeated warnings to alter their course. It declared the Strait of Hormuz closed "until further notice" and said the closure would remain in place until "the end of US interference in this region."

The statement also warned that any further acts of aggression against Iran would trigger a "severe response" and that additional enemy bases in the region could be targeted.

The development comes as the United States has demanded that Iran publicly commit to ending attacks on commercial shipping and guarantee unrestricted passage through the strait without imposing transit fees.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington and Tehran had agreed to continue negotiations despite renewed hostilities, while declaring that a previously announced ceasefire was no longer in effect.

Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions continued in Oman, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi to discuss mechanisms for ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Oman's state news agency later said negotiations would continue at both the technical and political levels.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies before the latest conflict. The closure has intensified concerns over global energy supplies and pushed oil prices higher.

The latest escalation follows attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf earlier this week, subsequent US military strikes on Iranian targets and retaliatory Iranian attacks on US military facilities in the region, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.