Iran Declares Gulf Off-Limits to U.S. Warships Amid Rising Tensions and Diplomat Evacuations

Iran's military chief stated U.S. vessels would be barred from the Gulf, escalating regional tensions. This follows U.S. intelligence warnings of advanced Iranian plots against U.S. personnel, prompting accelerated evacuations of diplomats and families from Middle East embassies. The U.S. has also indicated potential renewed strikes against Iran, signaling a critical juncture in bilateral relations.