Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid Unauthorized Vessel Incident

By Parisa Hafezi and Steve Holland

DUBAI/WASHINGTON, July 12 (Reuters) – Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel operated on an unapproved route and was struck, issuing a warning that any retaliation would face a “severe response.”

“A vessel that had jeopardized maritime security by disabling its navigation systems was intercepted and stopped,” the Iranian Navy’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated, without disclosing the ship’s identity.

The Navy further noted that multiple vessels had disregarded warnings to adhere to authorized routes while attempting to navigate the waterway.

The strait was declared closed “until further notice” and until “U.S. interference in the region ceases.”

Iran pledged to respond forcefully to any acts of aggression, vowing to target new adversary infrastructure in the area.

U.S. officials demanded Iran publicly commit to halting attacks on ships and ensuring all transit lanes remain open without tolls, according to senior U.S. representatives.

President Donald Trump stated on Friday that U.S.-Iran talks would continue despite heightened tensions, while also announcing the end of the ceasefire.

Iranian sources reported that Iran, the U.S., Qatar, and Pakistan had agreed to negotiate during a call facilitated by mediators, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Oman.

Gespräche zwischen iraxisischen und omanischen Außenministern in Oman konzentrierten sich auf mechanisms for secure ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as stated by Araqchi.

Oman’s media indicated that negotiators would continue discussions on technical and political aspects of the strait’s management.

Oman is mediating efforts to resolve a conflict that has destabilized the Gulf and driven up global energy prices since February 28 airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel.

Approximately 20% of global oil supplies transit the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s effective blockade has contributed to surging energy costs and inflation worldwide.

CNN reported that Oman proposed a plan allowing free navigation through its southern corridor, requiring prior approval for vessels using the northern route through Iranian waters without imposing tolls, though no details were confirmed.

The White House and State Department did not immediately comment on the CNN report.

Qatari mediators conducted talks in Tehran on Friday, following attacks on three Qatari and Saudi tankers earlier in the week, which prompted U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and retaliatory actions by Iran against U.S. military sites in Gulf states.

Araqchi accused the U.S. of breaching the ceasefire agreement, leading to the revocation of an Iranian crude oil sales license after the attacks.

“Mutual compliance is the only viable path,” Araqchi stated on X on Friday.

While Iran has not claimed responsibility for the vessel attacks, experts suggest such actions are part of a strategy to gain leverage in negotiations.

The escalation has further eroded confidence in an interim agreement aimed at ending the conflict and has pushed oil prices upward, a politically sensitive issue for Trump ahead of November elections.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has requested continued ‘talks,’ which we have agreed to. However, the U.S. has clearly stated that the Cease Fire is OVER!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on Friday.

IRAN THREATENS VENGEANCE FOR SUPREME LEADER’S KILLING

A statement from Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, released during funeral services for his predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, pledged retribution for the February 28 killing.

“We vow to avenge the martyrdom of our leader and all fallen heroes,” the message declared.

Trump claimed he ordered the U.S. military to prepare for a missile strike against Iran if threatened with an assassination attempt.

U.S. media, citing the Wall Street Journal, reported that Israel shared intelligence with Washington about a potential plan to target Trump.

At Ali Khamenei’s funeral, a large crowd gathered, with some protesters waving banners reading, “We Will Kill Trump.”

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