Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran

Tehran, Jun 11: Iran's military command on Thursday warned that any vessel attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz would be targeted, claiming that two ships had already been struck while trying to pass through the strategic waterway amid escalating hostilities with the United States.

The warning came after fresh US military strikes against Iran on Wednesday, with US President Donald Trump vowing to intensify pressure on Tehran and accusing Iranian negotiators of acting in bad faith.

According to Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya military command, the Strait of Hormuz has been declared closed to all vessel traffic. The command warned that any ship attempting to navigate through the waterway would face military action.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said two vessels attempting to pass through the strait were hit after allegedly ignoring warnings. It also cautioned ships anchored in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman against departing, stating that approaching the strait would be considered cooperation with hostile forces.

Iranian media also reported explosions and heightened military activity in southern parts of the country near the Strait of Hormuz, where US forces had previously targeted air defence, radar and other military installations.

However, the US military said commercial shipping traffic continues to move through the region and denied reports that any American warships had been struck. US Central Command maintained that maritime operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz were continuing despite the heightened tensions.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. The latest developments have heightened concerns over global energy supplies, with oil prices rising sharply following Iran's announcement.

The escalating confrontation has further dimmed prospects for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, raising fears of wider instability across the Gulf region.