Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Citing US Military Movements

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) announced on the 12th (local time) that transit through the Strait of Hormuz is currently impossible. The authority cited recent illegal US military movements in the region as the reason for the closure, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The announcement comes amid escalating military conflict between US forces and Iran following American airstrikes and Iranian retaliatory attacks on multiple regional countries.

PGSA Announces Strait of Hormuz Closure Due to US Military Activity

The PGSA stated in its announcement on the 12th that "due to recent illegal movements by US forces in the region, transit through the Strait of Hormuz is currently impossible." The authority added that "as soon as stability and calm are restored, all applications will be reviewed in order of receipt and necessary permits will be issued."

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) statement [PGSA materials]

US Central Command Contradicts Iran's Closure Statement

Contrary to the PGSA's statement, US Central Command claimed earlier on the same day that "the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all vessels lawfully transiting international waterways." The conflicting statements highlight the ongoing dispute between US military forces and Iran over control of the strategic waterway.

US Airstrikes and Iranian Retaliatory Attacks Escalate Regional Conflict

US forces and Iran are currently engaged in ongoing conflict over the Strait of Hormuz. The US military conducted major airstrikes on Iran after announcing that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked a Cyprus-flagged container ship. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated, "Iran made the wrong choice. Now it will pay the price."

Following the US airstrikes, the IRGC launched indiscriminate attacks targeting neighboring countries including Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran's Parliament who is responsible for negotiations with the US, stated, "We said it. If you don't keep your promises, you will pay the price. Reality is knocking on the door."

FAQ

Why did Iran close the Strait of Hormuz on the 12th?

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority cited recent illegal US military movements in the region as the reason for declaring the Strait of Hormuz impassable on the 12th (local time).

What did the US military say about the Strait of Hormuz closure?

US Central Command contradicted Iran's announcement, claiming on the same day that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all vessels lawfully transiting international waterways.

What military actions preceded Iran's closure announcement?

The US conducted major airstrikes on Iran after alleging that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked a Cyprus-flagged container ship. Iran's IRGC subsequently launched retaliatory attacks on Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.