Summary: Iran has announced the indefinite closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes, until further notice. The U.S. Central Command reported launching military strikes against Iran in response to attacks on commercial vessels. Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued stern warnings of retaliation against the United States and Israel, while the U.S. has threatened Iran with complete destruction. Kathmandu, 12 July — Iran declared the indefinite closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime trade corridor, intensifying the hostility between Tehran and Washington. The U.S. has launched a new round of airstrikes against Iranian targets, with Iran warning of a stronger response to any American assaults.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it conducted its third phase of military operations this week after Iran openly attacked a merchant vessel flying the flag of Cyprus. CENTCOM stated that the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) caused severe damage to the ship’s engine room, rendering it unable to continue its voyage, and that one civilian crew member is missing. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared CENTCOM’s statement on social media platform X, stating, “Iran made a grave mistake. Now it will pay the price.”
Iranian state media reported that the IRGC has shut down the Strait of Hormuz until further notice. According to Iran, the targeted ship repeatedly ignored warnings after straying from an approved route, prompting the naval forces to fire cruise missiles and warning shots to halt the vessel. The IRGC claims the shooting was a warning aimed at enforcing control. Additionally, Iran has warned it will deliver a “severe response” to any U.S. military intervention and threatened to target new U.S. military bases in the region.
Earlier, on the recommendation of the U.S., three commercial oil tankers traveling through Omani waters were attacked. Iran insists the maritime routes passing through its territorial waters remain safe. Iranian officials reported that 17 people were killed and 115 injured in U.S. attacks on Iranian forces, which prompted retaliatory strikes targeting American partner nations in the Gulf. Following these events, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the end of the ceasefire with Iran but noted that diplomatic talks would continue with mediators attempting to restart negotiations.
According to U.S. media, Iran communicated to American officials through intermediaries that the attacks on commercial tankers were accidental and blamed an unregulated group within its own security forces. U.S. officials have publicly urged Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for international maritime traffic and to cease attacks on commercial vessels.
Amid escalating tensions, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first public message since assuming leadership. His father and former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died on 28 February during a U.S.-Israel strike. His funeral was held on Friday in his hometown of Mashhad. In a speech broadcast by state media, Mojtaba Khamenei declared that “retaliation is the nation’s duty” and warned that the blood of all those killed in the two wars against the U.S. and Israel would be avenged.
Meanwhile, mourners at Ali Khamenei’s funeral chanted calls for the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump. In response, Trump threatened to deliver “total destructive” retaliation if any attack is attempted against him. Concurrently, U.S. outlets including The Wall Street Journal have reported that Israel provided Washington with intelligence indicating Iran’s plans to assassinate Trump, though this has not been independently verified.
