Iran again closes the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US blockade
Iran said on Saturday it had reimposed “strict control” over the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a brief reopening a day earlier, in response to what it described as continued U.S. “blockade” measures against its ports.
In a statement, Iran’s armed forces said Tehran had initially “agreed in good faith to allow the passage of a limited number of oil tankers and commercial vessels,” but accused Washington of violating commitments and “continuing to engage in acts of piracy under the cover of the so-called blockade," the AFP reports.
Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Iran would not accept U.S. pressure, insisting: “The Americans cannot impose their will to lay siege to Iran.” The move comes despite ongoing diplomatic efforts following a fragile two-week ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.
Shipping disruptions quickly followed. U.S. Central Command said 23 vessels had turned back under its directives since the blockade began, while maritime data showed some ships reversing course in the strait. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported that Iranian boats had opened fire on an oil tanker, though no injuries were reported.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned in a written message that the navy was “ready to make the enemy taste the bitterness of further defeats.”
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