The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed that it has “decisive control” over the Strait of Hormuz, countering earlier U.S. claims that the sea route was open for traffic. The US Central Command CENTCOM had earlier stated that it had cleared the sea mines in the strait’s international shipping lanes.

In a statement, the IRGC Navy said that the strait is closed to all ships seeking passage without coordination with Iran and that the closure would continue until the US adheres to its commitments. The strait has emerged as a critical chokepoint for international oil and gas shipments, giving Iran strategic leverage in the ongoing conflict.

Six months after the US and Israel launched attacks that also killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, negotiations have not seen much progress. In the latest round of escalation, the US has sought to target Iran financially through what the administration has called the “economic D-Day”. Pledging to stand firm against US sanctions, the Iranian Cabinet has said that addressing economic pressures caused by sanctions and war was a central focus, including curbing inflation, managing markets and creating jobs.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has begun to lift staff restrictions at some of its embassies in the region. The latest travel advisories issued by the US embassies in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar state that family members may join US government employees working there. However, there were no changes to the travel advisory level or risk indicators. It has also been reported that such restrictions are likely to be eased at a few other US embassies in the region.