Escalation: Iran Recloses Strait of Hormuz, Fires on Tankers

Iran reimposed a closure of the Strait of Hormuz and reasserted tight control of traffic. Ships in the Gulf and Sea of Oman were ordered to remain at anchor, and approaching the strait was warned to be treated as aiding the enemy and targeted.

Two Revolutionary Guard gunboats opened fire on a tanker trying to transit. A container ship was hit by an unknown projectile, damaging containers; the tanker and its crew were safe afterward. India protested after two Indian-flagged merchant vessels were shot at and summoned Iran’s ambassador.

Traffic had briefly resumed overnight; by 10:30 GMT at least eight oil and gas tankers had crossed, while roughly as many ships reversed course as the closure returned. Iran has signaled any passage would be on its terms, with Iran-designated routes, fees and transit certificates. Twenty-three ships have been turned back since the blockade began Monday.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources