Key facts
- Iran has ordered a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels.
- The IRGC launched retaliatory strikes against US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
- US CENTCOM launched "self-defense" strikes against multiple targets in Iran.
- An Iranian cargo barge was hit by a US projectile in the Gulf of Oman.
- Jordan reported destroying 20 missiles launched from Iran.
- AirAsia X postponed a Bahrain flight route due to regional conflict.
Iran has ordered a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels following retaliatory strikes by its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) against US forces in the region. The IRGC stated that the waterway is now completely closed after what it described as a violation of a ceasefire by the Americans, warning that any ships approaching the area would be interpreted as cooperating with the enemy.
This escalation follows US Central Command's (CENTCOM) launch of attacks "against multiple targets in Iran," which it described as being in "self-defense." The IRGC reported targeting US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Explosions were also reported in the south of Tehran and other southern Iranian areas.
Earlier, Donald Trump had claimed that US military missions had ensured the safe transit of over 100 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian professor suggested these threats were intended to coerce Iran into a deal, but stated Iran would resist.
In related incidents, an Iranian cargo barge was reportedly hit by a US projectile in the Gulf of Oman, with all five crew members rescued. The Jordanian army announced it had destroyed 20 missiles launched from Iran, and the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a fire on a tanker off Oman's coast.
Qatar condemned Iran's attacks on Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, urging de-escalation. Pakistan and Turkiye discussed regional developments, emphasizing dialogue and restraint. Meanwhile, Malaysian airline AirAsia X has postponed its planned service via Bahrain until at least August due to the ongoing conflict.