In a previous statement, we mentioned that foreign interference and the illegal redirection of ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz would lead to a firm response and would face an increase in traffic in the strait.

Hours ago, these warnings were ignored. Incited by foreigners, several ships attempted to move outside the designated route, disregarding our warnings and instructions to correct their course and remain within the designated route.

Consequently, one of the ships, which had disabled its systems, thereby endangering maritime security, was fired upon with warning shots and brought to a halt.

Following this incident, firstly, due to this security breach resulting from illegal interference by foreigners, the Strait of Hormuz will be temporarily closed until further notice, and until the interference of the United States in this region ceases. No ship will be allowed to pass. Secondly, if the aggressor enemy, exploiting this incident which it itself caused, commits any further error or violation against us, it will be met with force, and new enemy bases in the region will be targeted.

The consequences of such interference will be borne by the American and Zionist enemy, and by countries that have made their territories available to enemy bases for these threats.

“At 7:15 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engineroom damage.

Iran was provided yet another opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels but has again failed.

In response, the United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait. The strikes are being carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief.”