Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed on Monday, vowing to attack any vessels attempting passage through the critical waterway, as the U.S. confirmed six service members killed in recent clashes. The move threatens global oil markets, with major shipping firms like Maersk already halting operations amid soaring insurance costs and Iranian warnings.
Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated naval forces would "set ablaze" ships defying the closure, emphasizing Tehran's intent to block regional oil exports. The U.S. Central Command reported casualties following retaliatory strikes on a Kuwaiti port facility, marking the first American combat deaths since operations began Saturday. Three U.S. fighter jets were also mistakenly downed by Kuwaiti forces.
Domestic opposition to the conflict is rising, with protests erupting across the U.S. and a CNN poll showing 59% disapproval of military action against Iran. The crisis stems from U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, triggering Iranian missile attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets. Over 555 deaths in Iran and 11 in Israel have been reported.
The conflict expanded into Lebanon as Hezbollah launched retaliatory strikes on northern Israel, prompting Israeli air raids that killed 52 in Beirut’s suburbs. U.S. President Donald Trump has not ruled out deploying ground troops, estimating a four-to-five-week campaign.
