Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Closed After Unauthorised Vessel Incident

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reported on Sunday that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz after a ship travelled on an "unauthorized route" and was struck, bringing it to a halt. The statement said the vessel had turned off its navigation systems, jeopardising maritime security, and ignored warnings to correct its course. The waterway will remain closed "until further notice" and until "the end of U.S. interference in this region," the IRGC added.

U.S. officials have demanded that Iran publicly commit to ending attacks on ships and keep all lanes open without tolls. President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran would continue talks despite recent escalations, while also declaring an end to the cease-fire. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Iran, the United States, Qatar and Pakistan were working on a negotiation call, and Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi met with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in Oman to discuss safe passage mechanisms.

Omani state media said the two sides would keep discussions ongoing at technical and political levels. Oman has drafted a proposal that would allow free navigation through its southern corridor in Omani waters, while vessels using the northern corridor in Iranian waters would need prior Iranian approval but would not face tolls.

Earlier in the week, three Qatari and Saudi tankers were reportedly fired upon, prompting U.S. strikes on Iranian sites and Iranian retaliation against U.S. military locations in Gulf states. The United States revoked a license authorising the sale of Iranian crude following the attacks. Araqchi posted on X that "mutual compliance" is required for any agreement.

Analysts note that Iran has not claimed responsibility for the tanker attacks but may be using such actions to gain leverage in negotiations. The incident has raised concerns about the durability of the interim cease-fire and contributed to higher oil prices.

Separately, a written statement from Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, pledged vengeance for the death of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on Feb. 28. The statement was released during funeral ceremonies for the former leader.