Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, warning that any vessel approaching the route will be targeted, as tensions in the Middle East escalate.
The latest move comes after reports that several ships in or near the strait were attacked by the US on Saturday, including a tanker.
Tehran blamed the continuing US naval blockade of Iranian ports, just a day after officials said the vital shipping lane had been temporarily reopened.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said: “No vessel is to move from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman.” It added: “Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered co-operation with the enemy, and the offending vessel will be targeted.”
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However, US president Donald Trump hit back, saying Iran could not use the waterway to pressure Washington, adding that negotiations were continuing.
The strait is one of the world’s most important trade routes, handling around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Ongoing disruption has already pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel at points, raising fresh fears over inflation, transport costs and consumer prices.
For UK retailers and suppliers, any prolonged closure of the Strait or Hormuz is likely to increase pressure on fuel, freight and food costs. Economists have already warned the energy shock could leave Britain close, or ‘flirt[ing]’ with recession later this year.
Elsewhere, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said two Iranian gunboats opened fire on a tanker in the strait, while a container ship was struck by what it described as an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman.
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