Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz After Two Tankers Ablaze in Mined Zone on July 18

According to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Strait of Hormuz has been completely closed as of today, July 18, following explosions and fires that engulfed two tankers transiting a mined zone south of the strait. The Iranian military cited recent U.S. military operations as the trigger for the closure.

The statement said the waterway cannot resume oil and natural gas transport until the U.S. halts military action against Iran, and vessels should avoid the mined area. No details on the tankers' nationality, casualties, or damage were disclosed.