Strait of Hormuz remains open despite Iran's closure declaration, maritime group says

The southern shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz remained open on Sunday despite Iran declaring the strategic waterway closed, reported Bloomberg citing the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), even as military tensions between the United States and Tehran continued to escalate.

In an advisory issued to mariners, the JMIC said the transit route along the Omani coastline remained available for commercial shipping. However, it maintained the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz at "severe" and warned vessels to expect radio communications from naval forces while remaining alert to the risk of sea mines.

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The update came after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced earlier on Sunday that it would not permit any vessels to pass through the strait until what it described as foreign interference comes to an end. The IRGC accused the United States of attempting to create disruptions in the region.

The latest development follows a fresh round of military exchanges between the two countries. US forces carried out overnight strikes on Iranian targets for the third time in a week after a Cyprus-flagged container ship caught fire following an attack around nine nautical miles off the Omani coast. The crew abandoned the vessel after the blaze broke out.

The renewed hostilities have heightened concerns over the security of one of the world's most important energy chokepoints. The Strait of Hormuz has long been central to US-Iran negotiations, with roughly one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments historically passing through the narrow waterway.

A new wave of attacks early Sunday further intensified the crisis, with Iran reportedly targeting at least five US allies in the region, including Qatar, Kuwait and Oman, placing a ceasefire agreed last month under increasing strain.

Also Read: US-Iran strikes: Latest developments on Gulf attacks, Hormuz closure

Shipping activity through the strait appeared to slow significantly, with tracking data showing almost no visible vessel traffic on Sunday. Only two oil products tankers were seen approaching the waterway.

According to UK Maritime Trade Operations, local authorities rescued the crew members from the damaged container ship. India, meanwhile, said one of its nationals who had been on board remains missing.

Iranian state media also reported enforcement action against commercial vessels attempting to transit the strait. According to IRIB news agency, the IRGC intercepted a cargo ship on Saturday after firing a warning shot because it tried to pass through despite prior warnings. Separately, Fars news agency reported that Iranian forces had "struck and halted a second non-compliant vessel," but did not provide additional details.