Iran Bars US and Israeli Vessels from Strait of Hormuz While Keeping Waterway Open

Iran announced Friday it will not fully close the Strait of Hormuz but will bar any vessels linked to the United States or Israel from transiting the strategic waterway. The declaration, confirmed by both Middle East Eye and Iran International, marks a shift from full-closure threats to selective targeting, leaving neutral shipping unaffected while escalating economic pressure on US and Israeli interests in the Persian Gulf.