Iran says it is keeping the Hormuz Strait closed as tensions rise

Iran's leadership, including Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared the strategic Hormuz Strait is closed and must remain so. The country has also threatened to set shipping in the area 'ablaze' and says US bases remain targets.

In response, the US Navy says it will begin escorting ships through the strait. The US and Israel have also conducted strikes against Iran, which Iran says have left it battered but still in control of the waterway. A bulk carrier claiming to be Chinese has passed through, while another oil tanker was sunk after being attacked.