In a significant escalation following the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations, Iran’s military command has declared the Strait of Hormuz officially closed to all maritime traffic. The Khatam al-Anbiya command announced that any vessel attempting to navigate the strategic waterway will be targeted, with reports indicating that Iranian forces have already struck two ships accused of violating these new restrictions. This move comes on the heels of a fresh wave of US airstrikes, which President Donald Trump authorized after accusing Iranian negotiators of bad-faith tactics. As a result, the Revolutionary Guards have issued a stern warning, cautioning that any vessel remaining in the Arabian Gulf or the Sea of Oman is at risk if they approach the area.

Despite these aggressive threats and reports of explosions near the coast, the United States military has directly challenged Iran’s narrative. US Central Command confirmed that its warships remain safe and that commercial vessels are still successfully navigating the strait. By publicly asserting that transit operations continue unabated, the US is countering Tehran’s blockade rhetoric, highlighting a growing disconnect between Iran’s stated military control and the operational reality on the water.