Strait of Hormuz Closed Again amid Escalation of Iran - United States Tensions

JAKARTA - The Iranian military announced on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz was completely closed to shipping activities following increased tensions and hostilities in the region.

Through Iran's national television broadcast, the Khatam Al-Anbiya Headquarters said the strategic sea route was closed to all ships, including tankers and merchant ships, due to what they called insecurity in the region.

The Iranian military warned that "any movement" in the Strait of Hormuz would be targeted.

The decision was made following the continuation of "American aggression" as well as the recent attack by the United States on Hormozgan Province in southern Iran.

Khatam Al-Anbiya Headquarters also denied the US claim that the ships could still cross the Strait of Hormuz.

Previously, Iranian media reported explosions, activation of air defense systems, and airstrikes at several points in southern Iran, including Bandar Abbas, Minab, Jask, Qeshm, and Sirik.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said US forces had launched additional "defensive" strikes against targets in Iran.