Tehran, 11 June (H.S.):

Iran announced on Thursday that it has closed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic and warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the waterway could be targeted, marking a sharp escalation in tensions following a new round of United States military strikes against Iranian targets.

According to statements carried by Iranian state-affiliated media outlets, the country's military leadership said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until further notice. Iranian authorities alleged that the decision was taken after what they described as repeated hostile actions by the United States during the ongoing conflict.

The announcement came a day after the United States launched fresh attacks on Iranian military infrastructure. US President Donald Trump said Washington would continue to respond forcefully, accusing Tehran of failing to engage constructively in efforts aimed at reducing tensions.

Iranian military officials claimed that two vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz were struck by Iranian forces. Independent verification of those claims was not immediately available.

The Iranian military further warned commercial operators and shipping companies against approaching the narrow waterway, stating that vessels moving toward the strait could be viewed as assisting hostile forces. Authorities also advised ships anchored in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman not to depart until further notice.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy corridors, linking the Persian Gulf to international waters. A significant share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes through the passage every day. Any disruption to shipping in the region has the potential to affect international energy markets, freight costs and global supply chains.

Reports from southern Iran indicated that explosions were heard in areas near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The region has witnessed heightened military activity in recent days, including attacks on air-defence systems, radar installations and other strategic facilities.

The latest developments have intensified concerns among governments and shipping operators worldwide, with analysts warning that prolonged disruption in the waterway could have far-reaching economic and geopolitical consequences.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar