Iran Says Has Closed Strait of Hormuz Again Amid US Blockade
Iran asserts control of Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions with US over naval blockade and regional security.
Iran has announced that control of the Strait of Hormuz has “reverted to its previous state” due to ongoing tensions with the United States over a naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports.
In a statement issued through Iranian media, Khatam Al-Anbiya, the Iranian military's operational command, strongly criticized the US blockade, labeling it as “piracy.” The statement read: “For this reason, control of the strait of Hormuz has reverted to its previous state, and this strategic waterway is under the strict management and control of the armed forces.”
The command added, “Until the US restores the complete freedom of navigation for vessels from an Iranian origin to a destination, and from a destination back to Iran, the situation in the strait of Hormuz will remain strictly controlled and in its previous state.”
The strategic waterway, which accounts for nearly a fifth of global oil shipments before the ongoing conflict, has become a focal point of escalating tensions.
Yesterday, conflicting reports emerged as Iran announced the reopening of the Strait, while US President Donald Trump reportedly stated that the blockade would “remain in full force” until a broader deal is reached with Tehran, including matters related to its nuclear program.
Tensions boiled over further on Saturday, as at least two merchant vessels attempting to cross the Strait reportedly came under gunfire, according to three maritime security and trading sources. The incidents occurred shortly after Iran claimed to have reasserted control over the waterway.
Earlier tracking data revealed the movement of a convoy of eight tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first significant shipping activity since the US-Israeli conflict with Iran began seven weeks ago.
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AI contributed to the creation of this article.