Strait of Hormuz closed again, Iran says, as ships attacked

Key Points:

• Iran has announced the re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels, warning that any ship approaching will be targeted, following attacks on vessels in the area attributed to Tehran.
• The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) blamed the US blockade of Iranian ports for the decision, stating no vessel should move from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf or Sea of Oman until the blockade ends.
• US President Donald Trump affirmed that the naval blockade will continue until a peace deal is reached, rejecting Iran's threats to close the crucial shipping channel, which has been effectively blocked for nearly two months.
• Several vessels, including Indian-flagged ships, were reportedly attacked by Iranian forces in the strait, prompting diplomatic protests and highlighting escalating tensions in the region.
• The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20% of the world's oil and LNG shipments, has seen a significant decline in traffic amid the ongoing conflict triggered by US and Israeli attacks on Iran since late February.