Iran probably bans passage through the Strait of Hormuz

News blog about the war in the Middle East

Strait of Hormuz: Iran apparently bans passage

Israel and the USA attacked Iran. The regime in Tehran is apparently closing an important waterway. All developments in the news blog.

According to a representative of the EU naval mission Aspides, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards are banning ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Ships received notification via VHF radio that “no ships are permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” the representative, who wished to remain anonymous, told the news agency.

However, there is no official confirmation from Iran of such an order. The strait is the world’s most important oil export route and is used for shipments from several producing countries.

Hours after the attacks on Iran became known, thousands of people from the Iranian community marched through downtown Hamburg with flags of Iran, the USA, Israel and Germany. The demonstration had been announced a long time ago. There were drums and also chants of “USA, USA.” Some demonstrators had tears in their eyes. Speakers emphasized the importance of a transition of power in Tehran. What matters, however, is what happens next.

According to police, the event was peaceful and without any major incidents until the afternoon. The police wanted to announce the exact number of participants after the event ended in the evening.

The radical Islamic Hezbollah militia in Lebanon has declared its solidarity with Iran, but left open the possibility of direct involvement in the fighting. In a statement, the group threatened the USA and Israel with a “severe blow”, but did not announce any military steps of its own. Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned against dragging the country into “adventures.” Israel had threatened the government in Beirut with attacks on civilian infrastructure such as airports if Hezbollah interfered.