Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy closed the Strait of Hormuz early Sunday after firing on a commercial cargo ship, state media reported.
The move came hours after the United States demanded that Iran confirm the vital waterway would remain open to shipping. Instead, the IRGC took direct action against a vessel it said tried to use an unapproved route.
Reuters reported that the Guards fired a warning shot at the ship, but according to a U.S. official cited by Axios reporter Barak Ravid, the IRGC fired a missile that struck the commercial cargo ship, causing damage.
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz as IRGC Targets Commercial Cargo Ship
The closure was announced on July 12 and will remain in effect until further notice.
“The Strait of Hormuz is closed until further notice and until the end of America’s interventions in the region, and no vessel will be permitted to pass through,” the statement said.
“Any new act of aggression against us will be met with a severe response, and new enemy bases in the region will be targeted.”
The incident happened as Iranian and U.S. officials were engaged in talks in Oman aimed at easing tensions.
Oman has served as a mediator in recent efforts to manage the conflict in the region.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters to Global Oil and Shipping
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow chokepoint at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. About one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through it. Recent disruptions there have pushed energy prices higher and raised fears of wider conflict.
The latest flare-up comes after weeks of tit-for-tat exchanges between Iran and the United States. Earlier incidents involved attacks on commercial vessels in the strait.
Ceasefire Deal Collapses as Shipping Dispute Escalates
Those actions led to U.S. retaliatory strikes and the withdrawal of sanctions waivers on Iranian oil.
Under a temporary agreement reached last month, Iran had promised safe passage for ships and agreed not to charge tolls for 60 days. The U.S., in turn, lifted its naval blockade and eased some oil sanctions.
Disputes quickly arose over shipping routes as Iran insisted ships use a northern path through its territorial waters. The U.S. and others pushed for open access.
U.S. officials pressed Iran to publicly state that the strait remained open and that no further attacks on shipping would occur.
Also Read: Iran Warns UK and France as Tensions Rise Over Strait of Hormuz Security
As of Saturday evening local time, Iran had not issued that statement; instead, the IRGC acted against the ship attempting what it called an unapproved route.
Fresh Tensions Cast Shadow Over U.S.-Iran Talks in Oman
The new development adds pressure to the diplomatic efforts underway in Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in the country earlier for talks.
Those discussions were expected to cover broader issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
No details have been released about the identity of the cargo ship or the extent of damage it suffered. It is also unclear whether any crew members were hurt.
Also Read: U.S., Iran Finally Agree to Halt Strikes Ahead of Qatar Talks on Strait of Hormuz
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz would again put the world’s energy supply at risk. Shipping companies have cut back traffic through the canal after past incidents. Insurance prices for ships in the region have been rising since the war started.
The United States has maintained a military presence in the area to protect shipping lanes. Iran has used the strait as leverage in its standoff with the West.
The U.S. Treasury also imposed new sanctions on an Iranian financier linked to the country’s leadership.
There was no immediate public reaction from the White House or the Pentagon.
