Fact Check: Did Iran close the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels after latest US strikes?

WASHINGTON, DC: Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified on Wednesday, June 10, after the US announced fresh "self-defense" strikes on multiple targets inside Iran.

The attacks triggered a new exchange of fire between the two countries, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) describing the operation as a response to Iran's "unwarranted and continued aggression." As the conflict escalated, reports began circulating online claiming that Iran had closed the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels. But is that claim true? Let's fact-check it.

Claim: Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz for all vessels

Reports claiming that Iran had closed the Strait of Hormuz stemmed from statements carried by Iranian state media.

On Thursday, Iran's state-run broadcaster cited the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the country's central military command, as saying that the strategic waterway had been "completely closed."

According to Press TV, the statement declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships. The command also warned that any ship attempting to pass through the strait would be targeted.

The military command said it ordered the closure in response to what it described as ongoing hostile actions by the US, including recent attacks on a southern Iranian province.

Fact Check: US Central Command says the Strait of Hormuz remains open

However, CENTCOM disputed reports that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed. Responding to claims circulated by CNN and Reuters, the military said: "Commercial ships are continuing to transit in and out of the Strait of Hormuz tonight.

At the same time, Iran claimed it had launched missile and drone attacks against US ships operating in the strait. Iranian state media also reported that Tehran had targeted a US Navy fleet in Bahrain in retaliation for the recent American strikes. 

The CENTCOM rejected those claims as well, stating on social media that no US warships had been hit.

As ceasefire discussions continued, President Donald Trump signaled that further military action remained on the table. Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said the US had struck Iran hard and was prepared to carry out additional attacks. He also said Washington remained committed to securing a deal with Tehran that is "meaningful and works," though he did not provide a timeline for any agreement.

Meanwhile, Iran maintained a defiant stance. According to Iran's state-linked Tasnim News Agency, a source said Tehran would respond decisively to any US aggression and would not yield to what it described as political pressure or blackmail.