Iran's Revolutionary Guards broadcast VHF radio warnings to vessels Saturday, declaring that "no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz." The transmissions, reported by an official from the European Union's naval mission Aspides, followed coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets earlier in the day.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, handles about 20% of global oil consumption. Iran has long threatened to disrupt traffic through the strait in response to attacks on its territory. No formal closure order from Tehran has been confirmed, and the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) noted that such broadcasts are not legally binding, advising caution for transiting vessels.

Shipping companies reacted swiftly. Several oil tankers turned around or paused near the strait after receiving the warnings, including the KHK Empress, which was part-loaded with Omani crude, and the Desh Abhimaan. At least eight tankers gathered outside the Gulf of Oman, while three LNG carriers from Qatar halted. Nippon Yusen instructed its fleet to avoid the strait, Hapag-Lloyd suspended transits citing an official closure, and Greece urged reassessment of passages. Some vessels continued, though with erratic speeds.

The warnings came amid escalating conflict. The U.S. and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury Saturday, striking over 500 Iranian sites with 200 Israeli jets, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound in Tehran, where he was killed along with family members, Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh, and other commanders. President Donald Trump described the operation as eliminating "imminent threats," urging Iranians to seize control from the regime.

Iran retaliated with hundreds of missiles and drones targeting U.S. bases in Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain, as well as sites in Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Damage was reported at Dubai's airport and hotel district, with one death in the UAE from debris. Iranian officials vowed further strikes with advanced weapons.

Oil markets braced for disruption. West Texas Intermediate crude rose over 8% to around $67 per barrel in after-hours trading, with analysts predicting jumps of $10-20 or more if tensions persist, potentially exceeding $100. Major traders and producers suspended shipments through the strait. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities.

The incident marks a sharp escalation after failed nuclear talks and prior Iranian threats. While some ships have navigated the strait cautiously, prolonged uncertainty could choke global energy supplies.