Iran declares Strait of Hormuz fully closed

The Strait of Hormuz has been declared completely closed to shipping.

According to Report, citing Press TV, the announcement was made by Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Rezaei stated that the Iranian military is firing at US vessels attempting to pass through the strait but is refraining from sinking them to avoid environmental damage.

He explained: "Iran has decided not to sink US smuggling ships because they carry oil, and this would cause ecological harm to the region."

Earlier, the Financial Times reported, citing sources, that the United States has been conducting covert mine‑clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz for the past four months, involving special forces divers, robotic boats, and specialized underwater devices.