Iran Closes Hormuz Corridor After Accusing U.S. of Maritime Blockade

The Government of Iran has closed a previously fee-free maritime corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging that the United States attempted to facilitate transit via unauthorized routes. Iranian officials claim the U.S. exploited a period of national preoccupation with a leader's funeral to redirect ships and utilize commercial vessels for military operations. This escalation follows an incident where an oil tanker encountered a naval mine after deviating from the designated Iranian route.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei characterized U.S. behavior as that of a "mafia syndicate" and criticized the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for granting the U.S. access to British territory for potential anti-Iran operations. Simultaneously, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters denounced the U.S. for allegedly threatening oil tankers and commercial ships in coastal waters over a three-day period, which Iran describes as an unlawful maritime blockade.

In response, the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran vowed a severe response to any foreign aggression against its territorial waters. These warnings coincided with the anniversary of Operation Mersad. To counter the instability, the United States and the United Kingdom plan to meet in London next week to discuss forming an international coalition to safeguard maritime shipping, though Iran maintains that external involvement will only exacerbate the situation.