Photo: EPA
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz for an indefinite period and said its naval forces fired a warning shot at a vessel that allegedly violated its instructions.
According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, the IRGC said the strategic waterway would remain closed "until the end of U.S. intervention in the region," adding that no vessels would be allowed to transit the strait.
The IRGC claimed that several ships ignored previously issued warnings and attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz using what it described as an unauthorized route.
Iranian forces also alleged that one vessel switched off its automatic identification system (AIS), creating a potential threat to maritime safety.
The IRGC said it responded by firing a warning shot, after which the vessel stopped.
Following the incident, the IRGC declared the strait closed and warned that any further military intervention by the United States or its allies would receive a "firm response."
The statement also placed responsibility for any consequences on the United States, Israel, and countries hosting U.S. military bases.
There has been no independent confirmation of either the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz or the alleged incident involving the vessel. Neither the United States nor international maritime organizations have issued official statements on the matter.
