Iran Shuts Strait of Hormuz, Warns Against Foreign Intervention
News Desk
Tehran: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRG) have declared the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice, saying the move followed a warning shot fired at a vessel allegedly using an “unauthorized and illegal route.”
Iranian state media reported that the Guards said the strategic waterway would remain shut until what they described as the end of US interference in the region.
The Guards also warned that any attempt by adversaries to exploit the incident would trigger a “severe response.”
Fresh Gulf tensions after Iran closes Strait of Hormuz over ship incident
Tehran: Tensions in the Gulf escalated after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following a confrontation involving a commercial vessel.
According to Iranian state media, the vessel was accused of attempting to transit through an unauthorized route, prompting Revolutionary Guards (IRG) to fire a warning shot.
Iran said shipping through the strategic chokepoint would remain suspended until US interference in the region ceases, while warning rivals against any retaliatory action.
US launches new strikes as Iran reports explosions in southern cities
The United States has launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iran after the Revolutionary Guards allegedly attacked a Cyprus-flagged container ship, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
CENTCOM said one crew member is missing after the vessel caught fire and suffered severe engine room damage, leaving it unable to continue its voyage.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported a maritime security incident about nine nautical miles east of Oman.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported explosions in the southern cities of Asaluyeh and Bushehr, as well as in Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Sirak. Iranian authorities have not released details on the cause of the blasts.
Iran warns it may abandon MOU if US fails to honor commitments
Iran has warned it could stop adhering to its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States if Washington continues what Tehran describes as repeated violations.
Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Eravani, told reporters outside the UN Security Council that US attacks on Iranian islands and southern cities on July 7 and 8 breached the UN Charter.
He said Iran would have no choice but to disregard the MOU if the United States failed to fulfill its obligations under the agreement.
Explosions rock southern Iran as Gulf crisis deepens
Tehran: Multiple explosions were reported across southern Iran on Wednesday as regional tensions continued to intensify.
Iranian media said blasts were heard in Asaluyeh and Bushehr, while additional explosions were reported in Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Sirak.
The reports came as Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the United States confirmed launching fresh strikes in response to an alleged Iranian attack on a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel, raising fears of further escalation across the Gulf.
