Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and warned vessels against attempting passage through the strategic waterway.
The move follows fresh US military strikes on Iranian targets, with CENTCOM describing the operations as self-defence actions.
Crude oil prices jumped following the escalation, with Brent crude futures rising to around $94 per barrel.
Strait of Hormuz Closed: Iran Warns Ships Against Passage
Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following fresh US military strikes, escalating tensions in West Asia and triggering a sharp rise in global oil prices
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Iran's top military command on Thursday announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all oil tankers and commercial vessels. Tehran also warned that any ship attempting to transit through the strategic waterway would be targeted.
The move comes after the United States carried out precision strikes on Iranian military targets on Wednesday. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces conducted additional self-defence strikes against multiple targets in Iran.
"The strikes are in response to Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression. U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready," CENTCOM said in a statement.
Following the escalation in geopolitical tensions, crude oil prices surged, with benchmark Brent crude futures rising to $94 per barrel after settling at $93.10 per barrel in the previous session.
(This is a developing story)