FILE PHOTO: Ships and tankers in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Musandam, Oman, April 18, 2026. [Photo/Agencies]
TEHRAN -- Clashes erupted early Thursday between Iranian and US forces in the waters of the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, as Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran's main military command, announced the full closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Initial reports indicated that US ships near the Strait of Hormuz were targeted by missiles and drones launched by Iranian armed forces.
Blasts were also heard in the counties of Sirik and Minab and the port city of Bandar Abbas, all in Hormozgan province, as well as on Qeshm and Hengam islands, while air defense systems were activated west of the capital Tehran and in the southern province of Fars, the semi-official Mehr news agency said.
Following the incidents, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the Strait of Hormuz has been closed to all kinds of vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships, owing to security threats in the waterway.
