Kuala Lumpur – Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz starting this Saturday afternoon until the United States withdraws its naval sanctions imposed on Iranian ships and ports.
According to a statement issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC) and broadcast via the state television station, Press TV, the closure is in response to sanctions that Iran considers a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
The IRGC described US President Donald Trump’s statement regarding the Strait of Hormuz as “baseless.” Previously, Iran had reportedly still allowed civilian vessels to pass through the strait under coordination with the IRGC.
“Accordingly, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed starting this afternoon until the sanctions are lifted,” the IRGC statement said, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
The IRGC also issued a strong warning: no vessels are permitted to move from their anchorage positions in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Any attempt to approach the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and any vessel violating the order will be treated as a military target.
As of now, the United States has not issued any official statement regarding Iran’s announcement.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Any closure of this route could have a significant impact on international trade, particularly the flow of oil from the Gulf region.
This story is still developing, and international authorities are expected to closely monitor the situation.
