Iran closes Strait of Hormuz to US shipping vessels permanently

Iran’s Expediency Council member reaffirms closure to US ships in Strait of Hormuz

A senior Iranian official has reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to US naval vessels, calling for their withdrawal from the Gulf region. The statement comes as shipping through the critical waterway, which accounts for approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies, has largely ceased since US-Israeli strikes on Iran occurred on February 28.

The official’s comments follow a period of heightened tensions in the region, with the United States and its allies imposing sanctions on Iranian entities. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, has been closed to commercial vessels since the US-Israeli strikes.

Iranian authorities have maintained that the closure is a response to perceived threats to national security. The country’s military presence in the region remains elevated, with naval forces patrolling the waters surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States and other countries have expressed concerns about the impact of the closure on global energy supplies and trade. However, no official statement has been made by the US government regarding its plans to respond to the situation.

As of now, the status of the Strait of Hormuz remains unchanged, with US ships barred from passing through the waterway. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, awaiting further developments in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera