World
Iran keeps Strait of Hormuz closed as US disables cargo vessel
Iran maintains its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as US forces disable a cargo ship and Houthi strikes kill six sailors near Yemen.
Iran has reaffirmed its closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, 12 August, as military and diplomatic tensions escalate across the Middle East. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated the strategic waterway would remain shut until the United States releases blocked Iranian funds and ends its military presence in the region. US military disables cargo vessel The blockade has triggered direct military interventions. On Tuesday, 11 August, a US Navy MH-60 helicopter fired missiles into the engine room of the Panama-flagged M/V Vela Nova. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the vessel was disabled after its crew ignored warnings to cease its transit toward Iranian ports. This marks the third time the US has used force to uphold a counter-blockade of Iran since 14 July. Despite the closure of the Strait, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright reported that oil shipments through the region have reached nearly 9 million barrels per day. This flow is supported by upgraded pipelines and export facilities that bypass the restricted waterway, bringing total regional exports to approximately 15 million barrels per day. Houthi strike kills six near…