Iran Blocks Hormuz Strait Amid Escalating US Strikes

Iran announced closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the most intense US-Iran exchange yet: the US struck 140+ Iranian targets; Iran retaliated with missiles and drones against four Gulf states. The strait carries one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas. Commercial traffic has already slowed. CENTCOM questions Iran's authority; the IRGC asserts control. Whether this closure sticks or remains posturing will reshape energy prices and determine how fast tensions climb.