US Conducts Strikes After Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz

The United States military launched further strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on January 12, 2024, following Iran's declaration that the Strait of Hormuz was closed. This action came after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked a commercial ship transiting through the waterway, resulting in a missing crew member. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) confirmed the IRGC's seizure of the commercial vessel, the MSC Aries, which was reportedly heading to Italy. The vessel was last seen in the Persian Gulf, according to maritime tracking data. The IRGC also claimed responsibility for an attack on a commercial ship, though details remain scarce.

These escalations follow weeks of attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement on shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which the Houthis state are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The United States and its allies have conducted multiple rounds of strikes against Houthi military infrastructure in Yemen in response to these disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments, accounts for approximately one-third of the world's seaborne oil trade. Iran's declaration of its closure, if enforced, would have significant global economic repercussions.

Centcom stated that the strikes on January 12 were aimed at degrading the Houthis' ability to launch further attacks. The operation involved a coalition of forces, including the United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan. The targets included radar sites, air defense facilities, and weapons storage locations used by the Houthis. The U.S. military reported that the strikes were conducted with precision and aimed to minimize civilian casualties. The situation remains tense, with international efforts focused on de-escalating the conflict and ensuring the safety of maritime trade routes.