Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Thursday after Iranian state media announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the strategic waterway could be targeted. The announcement came amid renewed United States military strikes on Iranian targets for the second consecutive day, deepening fears of a wider regional conflict and triggering fresh volatility in global oil markets.

June 11 (Reuters) - Iran's top joint military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, including oil tankers and commercial ships, saying any vessel that…

Iran announced it was closing the Strait of Hormuz after the United States launched strikes on "multiple targets" on Wednesday evening.