According to multiple reports, Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following a fresh round of US military strikes, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions and raising new concerns over global shipping.
Iran said it launched attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar and Oman in response to what it described as a third wave of US strikes within a week against targets along its southern coast.
The latest escalation has also affected commercial shipping. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy was struck while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one crew member missing.
Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel’s crew abandoned ship after a fire broke out on board before being rescued by local authorities.
The United States subsequently responded with strikes against approximately 140 targets, further intensifying the conflict.
The reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz has heightened concerns across the maritime industry. The strategic waterway is one of the world’s most important shipping corridors, handling a significant share of global oil, LNG and container traffic. Any prolonged disruption could have major implications for vessel movements, freight markets and global supply chains as shipping companies closely monitor developments in the region.
