What happened
Iran's deputy foreign minister, Gharibabadi, said on the 29th that the Strait of Hormuz is completely closed and that any vessel wishing to pass through must receive coordination and permission from Iran. He added that Iran's armed forces have full awareness of all activity in the strait and called US claims about ships passing through 'completely untrue.'
Gharibabadi said Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on arrangements for vessel passage, but that the strait will not be reopened until the United States fulfills its commitments.
Separately, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it dismantled a terrorist group in the Saravan area of Sistan-Baluchestan province, saying the group was linked to the US and Israel and was planning attacks. Explosives, weapons, ammunition and Starlink equipment were seized. In addition, Israel's Shin Bet confirmed that Prime Minister Netanyahu's eldest son, Yair, faced a 'major' security threat in the US and was urgently brought back to Israel with his security team.
Why it matters
A declared complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have major implications for global shipping and energy routes, making the dispute over whether vessels are actually moving a high-stakes issue with broad economic consequences.
Iran's statement tying the strait's reopening to US commitments suggests the situation is being used as leverage in broader diplomatic tensions. The simultaneous security announcements in Iran and Israel point to a heightened state of regional alert.
The contrasting narratives from Tehran and Washington mean outside observers may struggle to verify the real situation in the strait, adding uncertainty for shipping and insurance markets.
Key facts
Iran's deputy foreign minister said the Strait of Hormuz is completely closed and all vessels require Iran's coordination and permission.
Gharibabadi rejected US claims about ships passing through the strait as 'completely untrue.'
Iran and Oman reached an understanding on passage arrangements, but the strait will not reopen before the US fulfills its commitments.
Iran's IRGC said it destroyed a US- and Israel-linked terrorist group in Saravan and seized explosives, weapons, ammunition and Starlink equipment.
Israel's Shin Bet confirmed that Netanyahu's eldest son faced a major security threat in the US and was evacuated back to Israel.
What to watch next
Watch for any independent confirmation or denial of actual ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days.
Watch whether the United States responds to Iran's stated condition for reopening the strait and how Oman's role in the arrangement evolves.
Watch for further reactions from Washington and Israel regarding the reported militant cell and the security threat to Netanyahu's son.