Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Closed to Shipping, Threatens to Attack Vessels That Pass Through

The Iranian television network said overnight Thursday that, following the American attack on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz would be completely closed to all vessel traffic. Khatam al-Anbiya Command, the supreme operations room of Iran's armed forces, announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all types of vessels, including commercial ships and oil tankers. The Revolutionary Guard said the strait would be closed because of a lack of security in the area following the American strikes. The Iranian navy also clarified and threatened that any vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz would be considered "cooperating with the enemy" and would be attacked immediately.

However, contrary to the reports in Iran about a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command insists this is a complete lie. In a post on its X account, it said ships are continuing to pass through the strait at all times, without interference.

Earlier, reports said there had been exchanges of fire between American vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian forces. According to reports in Iran, American ships were hit by drone attacks that damaged the vessels. However, a senior American official denied the reports to The Wall Street Journal.

Earlier today, U.S. President Donald Trump said in a conversation with reporters in the Oval Office that the United States is going to strike Iran very hard. He added that he had been patient, but that "the Iranians are stringing us along all the time." Trump added that the strike itself would take place today. The president also addressed the possibility of striking energy facilities, saying, "I won't tell you if I'm going to bomb energy sites, but I certainly could." Trump also said that the United States destroyed millions of barrels of oil: "Nobody knows that. You know who doesn't know that? Iran, to this moment. Last night we destroyed 22 ships. I'm telling you this because they only just found out," the president added.