The claim by Iran’s newly formed strait authority and the IRGC followed escalating military exchanges with the United States, while U.S. officials disputed the reported shutdown of the key shipping route.
Iran said the Strait of Hormuz was closed “until further notice” after military exchanges with the United States intensified. Iran’s newly formed strait authority made the announcement, and the IRGC claimed the waterway was shut to all vessels. U.S. officials, however, said the strait was not closed, leaving the status of one of the world’s most important oil and gas transit chokepoints in dispute.