Trump rejects Iran’s strait of Hormuz closure claim as fight for control goes on

What Happened

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy claimed it closed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday after striking a vessel that had switched off its tracking systems and traveled on an unauthorized route. The IRGC warned that any retaliation would trigger a 'severe response' and that the waterway would remain shut 'until the end of US interference in this region.' US Central Command confirmed it had launched a third round of strikes against Iran, saying a Cyprus-flagged container ship hit by Iran suffered significant engine room damage and that a civilian crew member was missing. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported an incident nine nautical miles east of Oman. The exchange came amid diplomatic efforts in Oman, where Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met his Omani counterpart to discuss safe passage mechanisms. A senior Iranian source said Iran, the US, Qatar, and Pakistan had agreed to negotiate a call, but it was unclear if it took place. Separately, new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the recently killed Ali Khamenei, vowed revenge for his father’s death, saying a list of targets had been compiled. President Trump posted on Truth Social that any assassination attempt would lead the US to 'completely decimate' Iran with 1,000 missiles, and news outlets reported a Saturday deadline for Iran to stop firing on commercial ships and acknowledge the strait is open.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The IRGC’s declared closure of the Strait of Hormuz marks a dramatic escalation, directly threatening the transit of roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies. Coupled with US strikes on Iran and President Trump’s threats of massive missile retaliation, the situation risks triggering a full-scale conflict. The killing of Ali Khamenei and succession of his son Mojtaba reshapes Iranian leadership at a volatile moment, while diplomatic backchannels in Oman offer a slim chance to de-escalate. The reported deadline adds immediate pressure for both sides to either step back or spiral into broader war.

Watch For

Whether Iran enforces the strait closure or it is challenged by international naval forces; the fate of the missing civilian crew member from the Cyprus-flagged vessel; outcomes of Oman-mediated talks, including any scheduled call between Iran, the US, Qatar, and Pakistan; Iran’s response to the reported Saturday deadline to halt attacks on commercial ships; any US military follow-through if the deadline passes unmet; and concrete actions related to Iran’s listed targets for revenge.