Iran’s military has imposed “strict control” on the Strait of Hormuz, closing the waterway to normal traffic, days after authorities declared it “fully open.”
This decision sent shockwaves through global energy markets, bringing back uncertainty.
According to British maritime officials, Iran’s IRGC attacked at least two ships attempting to cross the waterway. A huge Indian ship, which was carrying Iraqi crude oil, had to turn back due to an attack by the Iranian IRGC.
According to the official statement from the Iranian Joint Military Command, “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state, under strict management and control of the armed forces.”
Officials have warned that the strait will not be opened until the United States ends the naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Trump also reacted to the situation, saying Iran “can’t blackmail us.”
However, despite the escalation of tensions, he remains optimistic about the ongoing peace negotiations.
The turnaround came just 24 hours after Iran’s foreign minister declared the strait open, following 10 days of cessation of hostilities in Lebanon between Israel and the Hezbollah militia.
The impasse has only increased tensions in international oil markets, which saw prices fall to around $90 per barrel at the start of the week. Shipping industry experts predict that resuming shipments through the strait will take weeks, even if it is fully opened.
Meanwhile, Pakistan continues its mediation efforts for new US-Iran talks. However, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Iran was not yet ready for face-to-face negotiations as the United States tried to maintain “maximalist positions.”
