Iran declares closure of Strait of Hormuz

Iran on Sunday (July 12) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the strategic waterway will remain shut "until further notice" and until what it described as the end of US intervention in the region.

In a statement, the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it intercepted and attacked a vessel after it allegedly switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) and sailed through an "unauthorised route," calling the move a threat to maritime security.

However, the IRGC did not identify the vessel or disclose its nationality.

The IRGC also claimed that several other vessels attempted to pass through unauthorised channels and ignored repeated warnings to change course. It warned that any retaliatory action against Iran would be met with a "strong and decisive response" and said newly established enemy positions in the region could also become military targets.

The announcement came as diplomatic efforts to ease the crisis continued.

Senior US officials said on Friday Washington wants Iran to publicly commit to ending attacks on commercial shipping and keep all navigation routes through the Strait of Hormuz open without imposing transit fees.

US President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran had agreed to continue talks despite renewed tensions, while also announcing the end of the latest ceasefire.

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian source told Reuters that Iran, the United States, Qatar and Pakistan have agreed in principle to hold negotiations. Mediators were attempting to arrange a phone call on Saturday while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in Oman, though it was not immediately clear whether the talks took place.

CNN also reported that Oman has proposed a draft framework under which commercial vessels would be allowed unrestricted passage through the southern shipping corridor in Omani waters, while ships using the northern corridor in Iranian waters would require prior approval from Tehran but would not be charged transit fees.

The White House and the US State Department did not immediately comment on the reported Omani proposal.