Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid US Blockade Tensions

Iran has reimposed strict controls over the Strait of Hormuz after briefly reopening the vital shipping lane, declaring the move a direct response to the continued U.S. Blockade of Iranian ports.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Saturday that control of the Strait of Hormuz had “returned to its previous state” and was now “under strict management and control of the armed forces,” according to Iranian state media reports cited by multiple international outlets.

The decision came just hours after Iran had allowed more than a dozen commercial ships to pass through the waterway following a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Iranian officials said the reopening had been reversed after the United States maintained its blockade of Iranian ports despite diplomatic engagement.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command stated that the restrictions would remain in place until the United States ensures “full freedom of navigation for vessels travelling from Iran to destinations and from destinations to Iran.” This position was reiterated by Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh and the IRGC’s navy command.