Iranian naval forces warned commercial ships that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely closed again” on Saturday, as at least two vessels reported being fired upon while attempting to transit the key shipping lane, maritime sources said.
Merchant ships entering the strait received radio messages ordering them to turn back, reversing guidance issued a day earlier that suggested limited passage would be allowed through designated routes.
According to shipping and security sources, Iranian boats opened fire on at least two vessels in waters between Qeshm and Larak islands. The ships were forced to abandon their crossings and retreat.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received a report of an incident about 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman, where a tanker captain reported being approached by two gunboats linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which fired shots. The crew was not injured.
A container ship was also struck by gunfire, a maritime security source added, though no casualties were reported.
Some vessels said Iranian authorities were broadcasting a message over VHF radio declaring the strait shut.
“Attention all ships… Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz completely closed again. No vessel of any type or nationality is allowed to pass,” the transmission said, citing what it described as Washington’s failure to meet commitments in ongoing negotiations.
The renewed closure has left hundreds of ships stranded in the Gulf, with an estimated 20,000 seafarers waiting to cross the chokepoint, through which roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
