Iran closes strait of Hormuz again ‘until US lifts blockade’

Iran has reinstated restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, reversing a brief reopening, and declared the vital shipping lane under strict management and control. This move follows the United States’ refusal to lift its blockade on Iranian ports. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly fired on a tanker attempting to pass through the strait during a short window when the waterway was open, with an Indian-flagged crude oil vessel also reportedly attacked. Iranian officials have stated that the restrictions will remain until Washington guarantees full freedom of navigation for vessels traveling to and from Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint through which about a fifth of the world’s oil shipments pass, making its closure a significant factor in global energy markets. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command emphasized that the strait’s status would not change unless the US ends its blockade, a stance echoed by Iran’s deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh and the IRGC navy command. Khatibzadeh criticized the US for attempting to impose a siege on Iran, asserting Tehran’s intention to facilitate safe passage through the strait despite ongoing tensions. Recent diplomatic talks between Iran and the US have shown some progress but remain hampered by unresolved issues related to Iran’s nuclear program and control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, acknowledged gaps in the negotiations, describing them as “one or two” key sticking points. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump described the discussions as “very good conversations” but warned against what he termed “blackmail” over the shipping lane. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict between the US-backed Israel and Iran, which has intensified regional instability, contributed to rising oil prices, and heightened global concerns about security in the Middle East. The renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz underscores the fragile nature of US-Iran relations and the broader geopolitical tensions affecting global energy supplies and regional security. With the US-Israeli conflict against Iran entering its eighth week and a ceasefire deadline approaching, the potential for further escalation remains high, making the strait’s status a critical issue for international diplomacy and economic stability.