Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Closed, Warns Ships of Attacks

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has again declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to unauthorised maritime traffic, warning that vessels violating its regulations could face attacks, according to media reports.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that the IRGC Navy prohibited passage through the strait for vessels that had not followed its rules. It also warned that ships relying on US forces for protection could be “burned to ashes” if they violated Iranian regulations.

The IRGC Navy also claimed that a supertanker carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil caught fire after hitting a naval mine while attempting to cross the waterway through an unauthorised route on Saturday morning. The claim could not be independently verified.

Tanker Incidents Raise Shipping Concerns

The report described the alleged supertanker incident as the third or fourth major maritime incident in the region within 24 hours.

A tanker linked to the United Arab Emirates, identified as MT ST 3, reportedly caught fire following an explosion in the strait. Two other tankers were also allegedly attacked near the Saudi coast, while a container ship reportedly sank in the area on October 13.

India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that a tanker carrying 15 Indian crew members had been hit by a missile. All crew members were reported safe.

IRGC spokesperson Sardar Mohebi argued that if the Strait of Hormuz were fully open, around 125 vessels carrying approximately 20 million barrels of oil should pass through it daily. He questioned whether such traffic was taking place and argued that the waterway should therefore be considered closed.

Mohebi also accused the United States of using darkness to move individual vessels through the strait before claiming that the route remained open.

Global Energy Supplies Face Uncertainty

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial route for international energy shipments, carrying roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. A prolonged disruption could affect commercial shipping, global oil prices and energy markets.

The International Maritime Organization has warned that uncleared naval mines pose risks to vessels navigating the waterway.

A British maritime agency has also reported that some vessels targeted in attacks are reluctant to formally request assistance because of concerns about possible commercial penalties.

US-Iran Negotiations Continue

Meanwhile, negotiations between the United States and Iran are reportedly continuing behind the scenes over a possible ceasefire and the reopening of the strait.

However, US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s latest proposal, according to the report, leaving the future of the strategic shipping route uncertain.

Conflicting statements about the strait’s status, reports of maritime attacks and concerns over naval mines have increased uncertainty for commercial shipping and global energy supplies.