Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the United States launched a new wave of strikes on targets inside the country. Iran's top joint military command declared the strategically important waterway closed to all traffic, including oil tankers and commercial vessels, and warned that any ship attempting to pass through would be fired upon.
US Strikes Escalate Tensions
The announcement came hours after the US military carried out additional strikes across Iran under orders from US President Donald Trump. Iranian state media reported various explosions, air defence activity and alleged clashes between US and Iranian forces around the Strait of Hormuz.
Hegseth's Warning Before Strikes
Before the operation began, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that American forces would be taking military action against Iran. He suggested that the campaign could continue beyond a single night. Speaking from US Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida, Hegseth said, “Those strikes that'll happen tonight will be strong, they will be clear. If they happen to happen tomorrow night, they will be strong and they will be clear.”
He also indicated that key Iranian facilities could be targeted and said the strikes would advance US military objectives while strengthening Washington's diplomatic position. Hegseth warned about Trump "hitting hard," stating, “Because President Trump said we will be hitting Iran hard and we will be.” He added that Tehran still had “an opportunity to make a deal” with Washington despite the military action.
CENTCOM Confirms New Strikes
The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) later confirmed that additional strikes had begun. In a statement, CENTCOM said, “US Central Command forces began launching additional self-defense strikes today at 5.15 pm ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief’s direction. The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.”
Explosions and Air Defence Activity Across Iran
Following the US announcement, Iranian media reported explosions and air defence activity in several parts of the country. Mehr news agency said air defence systems were activated in western Tehran. Explosions were also reported in Bandar Abbas, the southern towns of Sirik and Minab, Qeshm Island, Hengam Island and the northern city of Gorgan.
An explosion heard in Fars province was later attributed to the activation of air defence systems outside the city. Iranian state media subsequently reported an explosion in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, although no immediate details were provided about damage or casualties. IRNA later reported that explosions in Qeshm and Hengam had been caused by projectiles that were "all of a military nature."
Clashes at the Strait of Hormuz
As military activity intensified, Iranian media reported direct confrontations near the Strait of Hormuz. Mehr news agency said intense clashes and exchanges of fire had taken place between US forces and IRGC naval units in the strategic waterway. The report added that US forces had targeted seven coastal locations, including areas around Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Qeshm Island and Hengam Island.
Amid the heightened military activity, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed its air defence forces had intercepted an aircraft over Gulf airspace. According to Mehr news agency, the IRGC said it fired a missile at an F-16 fighter jet that had violated the "Gulf airspace," forcing the aircraft to retreat.
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz
The confrontation culminated in Iran's announcement that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints. Iran's top joint military command declared that the waterway would be closed to oil tankers and commercial shipping and warned that any vessel attempting to transit the strait would be "shot at."
