Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz, Reports of Gunfire on Vessels
Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage, citing the U.S. government's failure to meet its commitments in negotiations. This announcement was accompanied by reports of gunfire on vessels attempting to transit the strait. According to shipping sources, at least two ships were fired upon by Iranian boats, forcing them to turn back. The incidents occurred in waters between Qeshm and Larak islands. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed receiving reports of an incident involving a tanker approached by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboats. The tanker and its crew were unharmed. The closure of the strait has left hundreds of ships and approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded, impacting the flow of about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas. 
