Iran’s central military command has announced the complete closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz following recent US attacks. Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera’s correspondent said the Iranian command warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the waterway would be treated as a target. The announcement came shortly after US forces, under orders from former President Donald Trump, carried out multiple strikes on Iranian targets.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted Iran’s military surveillance, communications, and air defense systems, citing Tehran’s continued aggression as justification. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Iran had been given a chance to reach an agreement but failed to do so. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran would stand firm against any pressure or threats, while the Iranian Foreign Ministry criticized Washington’s stance as harmful to diplomatic efforts.

The escalation follows a short-lived ceasefire agreed in April, which was meant to last two weeks but failed to stop sporadic attacks. Renewed diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran have collapsed, intensifying regional tensions.