Iran early on Thursday said it was fully closing the Strait of Hormuz and banning all vessel traffic through the strategic waterway after the US military said it launched fresh strikes on multiple targets in the country on the orders of President Donald Trump.
Iran's military said the move was prompted by a changed security situation following recent US attacks, according to a statement carried by state media. All vessels, including oil tankers and cargo ships, were now prohibited from transiting the strait and would be attacked if they attempted to do so.
State media shortly afterwards reported that two ships had come under fire.
The announcement came after the US military said it had begun launching new attacks on several targets in Iran in response to what Washington described as Tehran's "unwarranted and continued aggression."
Explosions in port cities along Iran's southern coast
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces had begun carrying out "additional self-defense strikes" at 0915 GMT Wednesday, while Iranian state media reported explosions in several port cities along the country's southern coast.
Shortly after the war began in late February, Iran largely brought shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to a standstill through threats and attacks on vessels.
While Tehran insisted the waterway had not been blocked, shipping companies were required to coordinate with Iranian authorities and could pass only through a corridor near Iran's coastline. Iran also imposed substantial transit fees.
The US in mid-April imposed its own naval blockade on Iran in an effort to cut off the country's oil revenues.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital export route for oil, liquefied natural gas and fertilizers. Oil exports are the Islamic Republic's main source of income.
US strikes follow downing of helicopter
The latest US strikes followed the downing of a US military helicopter on Monday night, which Trump blamed on Iran and vowed to avenge. US forces subsequently targeted Iranian air defence systems, ground control stations and radar installations near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran then attacked US bases in the Gulf region and Jordan, according to Iranian media, including with ballistic missiles, while Kuwait activated its air defences and warning sirens sounded in Bahrain.
