Iran Announces Closure of Strait of Hormuz; US Says Waterway Still Operational

US-Iran War Key News

(CNA, Washington, 12th -综合 international news agencies) Tensions in the Middle East have escalated, with conflicting claims from the United States and Iran over the status of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran issued a statement announcing the closure of the strategic waterway, while the US asserts that the strait remains open to all vessels with legitimate transit needs.

According to reports from Reuters and AFP, the latest conflict began early yesterday morning when Iran attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Crew members were forced to abandon ship, and the vessel was ultimately consumed by fire.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated via the official Iranian news agency (IRNA): 'The Strait of Hormuz will be closed effective immediately until the United States ceases its interference in the region.'

However, US Central Command posted on social media platform X that the strait remains 'open to all vessels with legitimate transit needs.'

The military added that US forces are 'positioned and ready' to ensure freedom of navigation, emphasizing that 'Iran does not control the strait, and maritime traffic continues to operate normally.'

Nonetheless, according to data from analytics firm Kpler, only six vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz today—the lowest number in the past five weeks.

For Iran, this strategic waterway has become a crucial bargaining chip. A senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader stated yesterday that its strategic importance exceeds 'dozens of atomic bombs.'

Following Donald Trump's announcement this week calling for a ceasefire, mediators continue efforts to resolve the conflict through diplomatic channels.

Iran's Foreign Ministry criticized the US military's actions, stating they 'have once again plunged the Strait of Hormuz into instability' and 'undermined all efforts to establish regional peace.' (Translation: Tsai Chia-min) 1150713

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