Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels, threatening to target any ship approaching the waterway, a move it attributes to a continuing US blockade of Iranian ports. This declaration followed reports on Saturday of Iranian gunboats firing on a tanker and other vessels being hit by projectiles and gunfire near the strait, causing damage and forcing rerouting. The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) stated the closure, which effectively blocks the passage for ships, would persist until the US blockade, initiated on April 13th, ceases. US President Donald Trump rejected Iran's threats, asserting that Iran cannot "blackmail" the US, while also suggesting that negotiations were proceeding positively. The closure significantly impacts global energy markets, as approximately 20% of the world's oil and LNG is transported through this vital chokepoint, with prices having previously surged above $100 per barrel due to the ongoing conflict that began on February 28th.