US and Iran trade strikes after Iran says Hormuz strait closed following vessel incident

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Sunday that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz after a container ship travelled on an unapproved route and was struck, warning that any retaliation would meet a “severe response.”

The IRGC said the vessel had turned off its systems, jeopardising maritime security, and was forced to stop, though it gave no further details about the ship.

U.S. Central Command confirmed that American forces launched a third wave of strikes against Iranian targets, stating the attacks were intended to “degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait.”

According to the U.S. military, the Cyprus-flagged container ship hit by Iran sustained significant engine-room damage and a crew member is missing. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported an incident nine nautical miles east of Oman, noting damage to the vessel’s rear and a fire onboard.

The United Arab Emirates defence ministry said its air defences engaged missile and drone threats, while Bahrain reported air-raid sirens and urged residents to seek safety.

Iran’s statement added that several ships attempted to use an “unauthorised route” and ignored warnings, and that the strait would remain closed “until further notice” and until “the end of US interference in this region.”

Diplomatic talks continued in Oman, where Iran’s foreign minister met his Omani counterpart to discuss mechanisms for safe passage through Hormuz. A senior Iranian source said Iran, the United States, Qatar and Pakistan were working on a mediated call to address the incident.

The exchange of fire follows recent rhetoric between Tehran and Washington, including statements from Iran’s new supreme leader and U.S. President Donald Trump about potential retaliation for alleged assassination attempts.