Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional tensions

Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, according to multiple reports, raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies and regional stability.

The narrow waterway, which links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is said to have received VHF radio transmissions from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warning that no vessels are permitted to transit the strait.

The reported move follows heightened military activity in the region. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration issued an advisory urging ships to avoid the area if possible, citing significant military operations.

In its alert, the department advised U.S.-flagged, owned or crewed commercial vessels operating nearby to maintain a distance of at least 30 nautical miles from U.S. military ships to reduce the risk of misidentification. It also encouraged vessels to remain in close contact with Naval Forces Central Command for coordination and guidance.

The closure comes after Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israel military campaign targeting Iranian sites. In response to those strikes, Iran has launched attacks toward several Arab Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital corridor for global oil shipments, with a significant share of the world’s crude exports passing through it. Any prolonged disruption could have immediate repercussions for international energy markets and maritime trade.