Iran mulls closing Strait of Hormuz — world's most important oil shipping route

TEHRAN/TEL AVIV: Amid ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel featuring missiles and airstrikes, Tehran is seriously considering closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important gateway for oil shipping between Oman and Iran, The News reported on Sunday.

The IRINN, citing statements by a member of the Iranian parliament's security commission, Esmail Kosari, has reported that the closure of the strategic passage is being mulled over by the country.

The report comes as fresh volleys of missiles were launched as Iran and Israel continued to battle out each other on Saturday night, the second successive night of the war.

Several missiles were seen over Jerusalem, a witness told Reuters. Air raid sirens were also going off in Haifa. The Israeli military said it identified missiles launched from Iran and systems were operating to intercept them.

"Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice," the IDF said in a statement.

According to Iran's state TV, Iran’s offensive operation against Israel includes missile and drone strikes. 

Meanwhile, Iraq has called on the US to prevent Israeli aircraft from breaching Iraqi airspace to carry out attacks against Iran, citing bilateral agreements and international law, Reuters reported.

"The Iraqi government urges the US to uphold its responsibilities under the agreements signed between the two countries and prevent aircraft belonging to the Zionist entity from once again violating Iraqi airspace," military spokesperson Sabah al-Numan said in a statement.

Also, Oman has announced that the latest Iran-US nuclear talks that were scheduled to be held in Muscat have been cancelled.

"The Iran-US talks scheduled to be held in Muscat this Sunday will not now take place. But diplomacy and dialogue remain the only pathway to lasting peace," Oman"s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, said in a post on X.

His Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, earlier said such talks were "unjustifiable" while Israel’s attacks continued.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said its raids had cleared its path to the capital. "We have created aerial freedom of action from west Iran all the way to Tehran [...] Tehran is no longer immune," said spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin.