Iran and the United States have engaged in a direct confrontation over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital Middle Eastern waterway. Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, reported a direct clash between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and US forces in the strait. US forces were reportedly forced to retreat in the face of stiff resistance from the IRGC. However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that none of their vessels sustained damage. Subsequently, the IRGC announced a halt to all vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global trade. In a statement, they cited regional insecurity as the reason for suspending the movement of all commercial ships and fuel tankers.

This directive is effective immediately. The IRGC further warned that any vessel attempting to pass through would be targeted. Although the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) dismissed this claim, asserting that commercial shipping continues, the IRGC rejected the US assertion. Iran’s semi-official news agency, Fars, reported that two vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz had been intercepted. According to JPMorgan, only 15 percent of the usual volume of ships has been able to navigate the strait since the conflict began.