Iran has decided to reverse its previous announcement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The country has issued a warning that it will continue to block transit through the strait as long as the United States maintains its blockade of Iranian ports.
The escalating tensions over this crucial choke point could worsen the ongoing energy crisis affecting the global economy. This situation raises the risk of renewed conflict between the two nations, despite mediators expressing optimism about reaching a new agreement.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy stated on Saturday night that the strait will remain closed until the U.S. blockade is lifted. Earlier that same day, two Iranian gunboats belonging to the Revolutionary Guard fired at a tanker passing through the strait. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center confirmed the incident but did not disclose the tanker’s identity or destination, assuring the safety of the vessel and crew.
Approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and any further restrictions would tighten the already limited supply, leading to higher prices. Meanwhile, a 10-day truce between Israel and Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah militia seemed to be holding.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has resulted in casualties, including about 3,000 people in Iran, nearly 2,300 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and over a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Additionally, thirteen U.S. service members have lost their lives.
In the latest developments, Iran’s parliamentary Speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf declared that the strait would remain closed as long as the U.S. enforces a naval blockade on Iran. He emphasized that the choke point is under Iran’s control and linked its reopening to the U.S. lifting the blockade. Qalibaf warned that if the blockade persists, traffic through the strait will be restricted.
According to Qalibaf, the ceasefire was nearly broken when the U.S. attempted to clear mines in the strait, which Iran viewed as a ceasefire violation. Despite tensions escalating to the brink of conflict, Qalibaf noted that the enemy ultimately backed down.
Furthermore, Israel’s military reported the death of another soldier in combat in southern Lebanon, marking the second fatality within a 12-hour period. This brought the total number of soldiers killed in Lebanon to 15, with the second casualty occurring after the ceasefire was implemented.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps navy announced the full closure of the Strait of Hormuz, extending the closure to the designated safe passage corridor for vessels. The closure will remain in effect until the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and ships is lifted. Previously, Iran had mentioned that vessels could navigate the strait in coordination with them and paying a toll. However, the navy’s statement on Saturday warned that any vessel violating the closure would be targeted.
Iran considers the U.S. blockade a breach of the ceasefire between the two nations. Earlier on Saturday, two vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz and off Oman’s coast, with at least one being targeted by Iranian gunboats.
