Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran Strike Cycle Escalates

Iran announced closure of the Strait of Hormuz on July 13 following the largest US-Iran strike exchange yet: the US hit 140+ Iranian targets overnight; Iran responded with missiles and drones on four Gulf states. The waterway carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG. Commercial traffic already transits at reduced levels. CENTCOM disputes Iranian control; the IRGC claims the strait as its territory. Whether the closure persists or remains rhetorical will reshape energy markets and determine escalation pace.