Iran's Revolutionary Guard officially announced that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to ships of the United States, Israel, European countries and their allies. "If we spot them, they will certainly be targeted," was the unambiguous message.

Iran claims that under international law and UN resolutions, in conditions of armed conflict, it possesses the rights to control passage through this strategic maritime corridor. The strait is critical to global trade in oil and natural gas.

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased since joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran began. Insurance costs for tankers in the region have surged, and many companies are redirecting their vessels via alternative, longer and more expensive routes.

The White House has not revealed a timeline for securing the strait. The spokesman declined to commit to specific operational plans, stating only that Washington "is working on it".

Oil and natural gas prices are rising globally in response to this escalation. Analysts warn that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could seriously disrupt global supply chains and cause lasting price pressures.