Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again, accusing the United States of maintaining a blockade on its ports and escalating tensions in the region.
The Iranian military announced on Saturday that control over the strategic waterway had “returned to its previous state,” warning that its forces remain firmly in charge of the passage.
The Strait of Hormuz, which carries around a fifth of global oil trade, reportedly saw an Iranian gunboat fire on a merchant vessel attempting to transit.
The move came shortly after the strait was briefly reopened, during which more than a dozen commercial ships passed through following a US-mediated 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
However, the situation quickly reversed. In a statement carried by state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accused the United States of maritime aggression and said its actions amounted to “acts of piracy and maritime theft.”
The IRGC added that “control over Hormuz is under the strict management and control of the armed forces,” warning that restrictions would remain until Washington restores full freedom of navigation for Iranian vessels.
“Until the US restores full freedom of navigation for vessels travelling from Iran to their destinations and back, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain tightly controlled and in its previous condition,” the statement said.
Despite the closure announcement, at least eight oil and gas tankers were still reported to have crossed the strait by Saturday morning, while others turned back amid rising uncertainty over safe passage.
The development triggered diplomatic concern, with India summoning Iran’s ambassador over a reported shooting incident involving two Indian-flagged vessels.
New Delhi said it “conveyed India’s deep concern” and urged Tehran to ensure safe transit for commercial shipping.
Maritime analysts say conflicting signals from all sides are driving confusion in global shipping routes. John-Paul Rodrigue of Texas A&M University said many vessels are now hesitating, noting that “there is contradictory information being issued by all parties.”
Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera said uncertainty continues to define the situation, with broader diplomatic tensions unresolved as Iran demands sanctions relief, security guarantees, and progress on its nuclear programme.
United States President, Donald Trump, has expressed optimism about a potential deal but warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail, further heightening uncertainty around one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
