Global
Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz amid escalating US-Iran conflict
WASHINGTON: Iran’s newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) on Thursday announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing heightened tensions with the United States following what it described as “aggressive US forces” activity and directives from the Iranian armed forces.
The authority said several vessels have been stranded as a result of the closure and advised transit permit holders to remain in place until further instructions are issued.
The announcement comes amid reports of intensified military exchanges between the United States and Iran, including air and missile strikes. Iranian and international sources said the latest escalation follows weeks of rising hostilities that have already severely disrupted regional stability and pushed global oil prices higher.
According to accounts cited in the report, the United States Central Command conducted a prolonged operation targeting Iranian surveillance systems, communication networks and air defence installations. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly carried out strikes on multiple US-linked sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, including areas associated with the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.
Regional spillover effects were also reported, with Jordan’s al-Azraq air base allegedly targeted and Bahrain experiencing drone debris that caused minor injuries and property damage. Kuwait also temporarily closed its airspace due to security concerns.
Iranian sources claim that negotiations are still continuing behind the scenes despite the escalation, with discussions focusing on the release of frozen Iranian assets estimated between $6 billion and $12 billion. Tehran is reportedly demanding immediate access to the funds, while Washington is said to favour a phased release tied to humanitarian conditions.
US officials, however, have disputed the claim that the Strait of Hormuz has been fully closed, saying commercial maritime traffic continues to move through the waterway. Washington also maintains that it has taken measures against Iranian maritime activity in the region.
The conflict has reportedly placed additional political pressure on the US administration as rising energy prices affect domestic markets, with analysts warning of wider economic implications if instability in the Gulf continues.
As competing claims emerge over military developments and maritime access, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile, with both sides continuing to issue warnings of further escalation.
