Iran’s Revolutionary Guards say they have closed the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely after firing warning shots at a commercial ship they accused of using an unauthorised shipping route.
According to Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, the ship ignored several warnings to use an approved shipping lane before it was stopped.
“The vessel was hit by warning shots and stopped after failing to comply with repeated directives,” the Revolutionary Guards said.
The military also announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until further notice and until what it called the end of American interventions in the region.
“No vessels will be allowed to pass through,” the statement added.
The Guards further warned that Iran would strike “new enemy bases in the region” if more military action was taken against the country.
The latest move comes as tensions remain high between Iran and the United States following recent military clashes, raising fresh concerns about ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Reports by Axios and Politico said the United States had given Iran until Saturday to stop firing at commercial ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz and to recognise that the waterway should remain open for international navigation.
One of the major disagreements between the two countries is who controls the strait.
Iran says it has the right to regulate shipping through the waterway, while the United States insists that commercial ships must be allowed to pass freely.
