Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the United States launched a new wave of attacks on targets inside the country. Iran’s top joint military command said the strategically important waterway had been closed to all traffic, including oil tankers and commercial ships, and warned that any ship attempting to pass through would be fired upon.The announcement came hours after US forces launched additional strikes across Iran under orders from US President Donald Trump. Iranian state media also reported various explosions, air defense activity and alleged clashes between US and Iranian forces around the Strait of Hormuz.

Hegseth hints at fresh attack on Iran

Before the operation began, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the US military would take military action against Iran. He suggested that the campaign could continue beyond one night.Speaking from U.S. Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida, Hegseth said, “The attacks that happen tonight will be strong, they will be obvious. If they happen tomorrow night, they will be strong and they will be obvious.”He also indicated that key Iranian facilities could be targeted and said the strikes would advance US military objectives while strengthening Washington’s diplomatic position. Hegseth also warned about Trump “hitting hard,” as he put it, “because President Trump said we would hit Iran hard and we will.”He said Tehran still had an “opportunity to make a deal” with Washington despite the military action.

CENTCOM announces new attacks on Iran

The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) later confirmed that additional strikes had begun.In a statement, CENTCOM said, “U.S. Central Command forces, at the direction of the Commander in Chief, launched additional self-defense strikes at 5:15 pm ET today against multiple targets in Iran. These attacks are in response to Iran’s unjustified and continued aggression.

Explosions and air defense activity reported across Iran

Following the US announcement, Iranian media reported explosions and air defense activity in several parts of the country.Mehr news agency said air defense systems were activated in western Tehran. Explosions were also reported in Bandar Abbas, the southern cities of Sirik and Minab, Qeshm Island, Hengam Island and the northern city of Gorgan.An explosion heard in Fars Province was later attributed to the activation of air defense systems outside the city.Iranian state media later reported an explosion in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, although there were no immediate details on damage or casualties.IRNA later reported that the explosions in Qeshm and Hengam were caused by projectiles “all of military nature”.

conflict on the strait of hormuz

As military activity intensified, Iranian media reported a direct confrontation near the Strait of Hormuz. The Mehr news agency said there were intense clashes and firing between US forces and IRGC naval units in the strategic waterway.The report said US forces had targeted seven coastal locations, including areas around Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Qeshm Island and Hengam Island.Amid increased military activity, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that its air defense forces had intercepted a plane in Gulf airspace. According to the Mehr news agency, the IRGC said it fired the missile at an F-16 fighter jet that violated “Gulf airspace”, causing the aircraft to turn away.

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz

The confrontation culminated with Iran’s announcement that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. Iran’s top joint military command announced that the waterway would be closed to oil tankers and commercial shipping and warned that any ship attempting to cross the strait would be “shot at”.

IRGC reportedly targets ships in Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy has reportedly targeted two ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran announced the closure of the strategic waterway, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.The report claimed that the ships were “violating vessels” that tried to transit the strait despite orders to stop all maritime traffic. Earlier, Iran’s top joint military command had directed all ships, including oil tankers and commercial ships, to stay out of the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any ship attempting to pass through there would be targeted.