Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz and Strikes U.S. Bases

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz closed on Thursday, asserting full control over the strategic waterway until the United States ends its interference in maritime activities. This escalation follows a series of missile strikes by the IRGC Aerospace Force targeting a U.S. air base and the U.S. Central Command headquarters in Jordan, as well as an attack on the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The IRGC stated these operations, including the destruction of drone hangars and fuel depots in Kuwait, are part of a campaign to force the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region.

Simultaneously, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on two Iranian firms, the Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company and HormuzSafe Marine Services Authority. U.S. officials allege these companies operate an extortion scheme forcing commercial vessels to pay for mandatory insurance to transit the Strait, with funds diverted to the IRGC. The U.S. also sanctioned eight companies linked to a shadow fleet transporting Iranian oil.

President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would hit Iran hard in response to the attacks. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the U.S. will not allow Iran to hold global commerce hostage. Despite the military escalation, the Iranian Foreign Ministry noted that recent technical discussions with Oman in Tehran regarding safe navigation were productive.