Iran Announces Closure of Strait of Hormuz to Commercial Vessels
Iran has declared it is once again closing the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, warning that any vessel approaching the waterway will be targeted. This announcement follows reports of attacks on ships in or near the strait, including a tanker, on Saturday.
The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) attributed the closure to an ongoing US blockade, which it says prompted the decision. This development comes just one day after Iran's foreign minister stated that the crucial global shipping route had been temporarily reopened.
US and Iran Exchange Statements on Strait Status
US President Donald Trump responded by asserting that Iran cannot "blackmail" the United States with threats concerning the waterway, which Tehran has effectively blocked for nearly two months. This blockade has contributed to a significant increase in global energy prices.
The IRGC Navy issued a statement on Saturday declaring that:
"No vessel is to move from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman."
The statement noted that several vessels had passed through the strait under IRGC control since Friday night, but that the strait would be closed again until the US ceased its blockade of Iranian ports.
"Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered co-operation with the enemy, and the offending vessel will be targeted," the IRGC added.
President Trump had previously indicated on Friday that the naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a peace agreement between the two nations was reached. A two-week ceasefire currently in effect is set to expire on 22 April.
Since enforcing the blockade on 13 April, the US has reportedly turned away 23 ships.
Iran's Response and Ceasefire Concerns
Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) condemned the US actions as a violation of the ceasefire agreement and stated that it would halt the reopening of the strait while the ceasefire remains in effect.
Regarding ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, the SNSC mentioned that new proposals had been submitted by the US, which Iran is currently reviewing but has not yet responded to. Previous peace talks held earlier in the month concluded without an agreement.
President Trump commented on Saturday about the negotiations:
"We have very good conversations going on. It's working out very well."
Reports of Attacks on Vessels in the Strait
Multiple reports emerged on Saturday of vessels being attacked by Iranian forces. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that two Iranian gunboats opened fire on a tanker in the strait.
Additionally, a container ship was struck by an "unknown projectile" off the northeastern coast of Oman, resulting in damage to some containers, according to the UKMTO.
Separately, sources told that at least two merchant vessels reported being hit by gunfire while attempting to transit the strait.
India's foreign ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador to express its "deep concern at the shooting incident earlier today involving two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz."
Shipping Traffic and Strategic Importance of the Strait
Data from the tracking website MarineTraffic indicated that some vessels managed to pass through the strait during its brief reopening. However, others were forced to alter their routes after the IRGC denied them access.
Approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is typically transported through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the number of ships navigating the passage has sharply declined amid the recent conflict, which began following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on 28 February.
The narrow chokepoint connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea and serves as the sole maritime route to several oil-producing nations. The ongoing crisis has driven the price of a barrel of oil above $100 ($74) at times.
Iran has previously issued threats to attack tankers and other vessels and has warned that it has laid mines in the area.
