Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz “until further notice.” The decision follows an incident involving a commercial vessel, according to an official statement released on Sunday.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most important shipping routes. The IRGC stated that shipping through the strategic waterway has been suspended until further notice.
IRGC cites maritime security concerns
According to the official statement, the IRGC Navy said foreign interference and attempts to establish what it described as an “illegal route” for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would face a firm response.
The statement claimed that several vessels ignored repeated warnings to return to the approved navigation route. As a result, the situation escalated in the area.
Officials further stated that one commercial vessel switched off its tracking systems while travelling through the waterway. The IRGC alleged that the vessel’s actions endangered maritime security.
The navy added that warning shots were fired before the vessel was eventually stopped.
Strait of Hormuz to remain closed
The IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed “until further notice.”
It also stated that no vessel would be allowed to transit through the waterway until US interference in the area comes to an end.
Furthermore, the statement warned that any future attack or violation would receive a forceful response. It added that such action could include strikes on what it described as new enemy bases across the region.
Closure announced after vessel incident
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy said the decision followed the interception of a vessel that allegedly attempted to sail through an unapproved route in the Strait of HormuzIran closes Strait of Hormuz until further notice as IRGC cites maritime security concerns following commercial vessel incident today.
According to the statement, naval forces fired a warning shot before stopping the vessel. Officials maintained that the action was taken to protect maritime security and enforce approved navigation procedures.
Meanwhile, authorities reiterated that the shipping suspension will continue “until further notice.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s busiest energy corridors. Consequently, any disruption to shipping through the waterway attracts close international attention. However, the IRGC has maintained that the closure will stay in place under the conditions outlined in its statement.
