Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz

The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz escalated as Iran reversed its reopening of the crucial waterway and fired on ships, in retaliation for the United States' continued blockade of Iranian ports. This action, taken by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, threatens global oil supplies and has led to India summoning Iran's ambassador over attacks on its merchant ships. The United States, under President Donald Trump, insists on maintaining its blockade until a deal is reached with Iran regarding its nuclear program. Pakistan is actively mediating to de-escalate tensions and arrange further negotiations, while a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon remains uncertain. Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued defiant statements, emphasizing Iran's readiness to confront its enemies.