Iran Claims Strikes on Two Vessels, Declares Strait of Hormuz Closed to All Shipping

## Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Closed After Claiming Ship Strikes Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all vessels, including tankers and commercial shipping, according to Seatrade Maritime. The announcement follows Iranian claims that its forces struck two ships in the critical waterway, marking a significant escalation with potentially severe consequences for global energy supply chains. ### Strategic Significance The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically vital maritime chokepoints. Approximately 20% of global oil trade — and roughly one-third of all liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports — transits the strait daily. A sustained closure, even a partial or threatened one, would send immediate shockwaves through crude oil prices, freight rates, and energy security planning across importing nations in Asia, Europe, and beyond. ### Immediate Implications for Shipping Shipowners, operators, and charterers with vessels in or bound for the Persian Gulf will be urgently reassessing voyage plans and risk exposure. War risk insurance premiums for the region are expected to spike sharply in response to the IRGC's declaration. Tanker operators in particular face acute decisions regarding whether to hold position, divert, or seek guidance from flag states and naval authorities. The Joint War Committee (JWC) listed areas and existing maritime security frameworks in the region will likely be reviewed in light of this development. Vessels already transiting the strait or anchored in Gulf ports face the most immediate exposure. ### Broader Context Tensions in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters have remained elevated in recent years, with a series of vessel seizures, drone attacks, and proxy conflicts affecting regional shipping. The IRGC has previously detained commercial vessels and used maritime pressure as a geopolitical tool. However, a formal declaration of closure to all shipping represents a significant step beyond prior incidents. Naval forces from the United States and allied nations maintain a presence in the region, and international responses — both diplomatic and military — are expected to develop rapidly. ### What Operators Should Do Now Maritime industry professionals are advised to: - Monitor updates from flag state authorities and naval coordination bodies - Contact war risk underwriters immediately regarding coverage implications - Review voyage instructions and consider precautionary deviation where contractually permissible - Consult the latest guidance from organisations such as UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) Seatrade Maritime is reporting on developments as they unfold. The situation remains fluid, and the full operational and market impact will depend heavily on how quickly — and how forcefully — the international community responds. *This article will be updated as further information becomes available. Sources: Seatrade Maritime.*