DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed after a vessel was struck by a warning shot for using an unauthorized route, complicating the ceasefire agreement with the United States. U.S. Central Command reported that its forces initiated a third round of strikes against Iran shortly after the incident. The military stated, "The United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait." A Cyprus-flagged container ship that was hit sustained significant engine room damage, and a civilian crew member is missing, according to U.S. Central Command.
U.S. officials indicated that negotiations to solidify last month’s ceasefire deal would not advance without security in the strait. In contrast, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps announced that warning shots had been fired at a violating ship and declared that the strait would remain closed until further notice. This announcement followed a meeting between the foreign ministers of Iran and Oman to discuss the situation in the strait, which has been the site of recent Iranian attacks on ships and U.S. retaliatory strikes.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated that the nation would seek revenge for the killing of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the war, emphasizing that this was the will of the nation. President Donald Trump responded to threats against him by stating that the U.S. has missiles prepared to target Iran if necessary. He indicated that the ceasefire is over but negotiations will continue.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart to discuss ensuring safe passage for ships. Iran has claimed control over the strait and has insisted on charging ships for passage, a position it adopted after the war began. The U.S. has advised mariners to use a southern route through Omani waters. Prior to the conflict, approximately 20% of all traded oil and natural gas passed through the strait. Iran's control of the strait during the war has contributed to a global energy crisis, although oil prices have decreased from wartime highs.
Araghchi accused the U.S. of violating the interim deal by ending waivers that allowed Iran to sell crude oil in U.S. dollars. Trump stated that a thousand missiles are aimed at Iran in response to threats against him, as tensions escalate in the region. U.S. officials noted that recent strikes were a response to actions by a faction of Iranian hard-liners attempting to undermine the ceasefire. The situation remains fluid, with reports of additional attacks on Iran, raising concerns about regional stability.