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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced late on July 11 that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed until further notice, accusing foreign powers of interfering with shipping routes in the strategic waterway.
In a statement, the IRGC said one commercial ship was struck by a warning shot after ignoring orders to change course, adding that any further United States or allied action in response would face a “severe” retaliation.
“In a previous announcement, we stated that foreign interference and the illegal designation of a shipping lane in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman would elicit a firm response from us and would prevent any increase in traffic through the strait.
Hours ago, these warnings were once again ignored. Instigated by foreign powers, several vessels attempted to deviate from the Iranian-designated route, disregarding our repeated warnings and alerts to correct their course and remain within the approved route.
Consequently, one of these vessels, which had switched off its transponders, thereby endangering maritime security, was fired upon and stopped by the IRGC Navy.
Following this incident, firstly, due to this security breach resulting from illegal foreign interference, the Strait of Hormuz will be temporarily closed until further notice and until the U.S. ceases its interference in this region. No vessel will be permitted to pass through.
Secondly, should the aggressor, exploiting this incident (which it itself caused), commit any further transgressions, we shall respond forcefully, and additional enemy bases in the region will be targeted,” the statement reads.
Axios correspondent Barak Ravid confirmed on X, citing a U.S. official, that the IRGC fired missiles at commercial ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The official said the ships were hit and suffered damage.
The escalation came just a day after senior U.S. officials told Reuters that Washington is demanding Iran publicly state it will stop attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and confirm that all lanes will remain open to shipping with no tolls.
Last week, the U.S. launched strikes against Iran for two consecutive nights after accusing the Islamic Republic of targeting three commercial ships near the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest attack will certainly provoke a response from the U.S. The memorandum of understanding to end the war may be witnessing its final days.
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