Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again amid tensions over US blockade

Iran has once again shut the Strait of Hormuz, reversing its earlier decision to reopen the vital global shipping route, in a move linked to ongoing tensions with the United States.

 

Iran’s military command announced on Saturday that the waterway had returned to “strict management and control” of its armed forces, citing the continued US naval blockade as the reason for the action.

 

The development came just hours after Tehran had declared the strait open following a ceasefire in Lebanon, a move that had briefly eased global market tensions and sent oil prices downward.

 

However, the renewed closure has cast doubt on optimism expressed by US President Donald Trump, who had said a peace deal to end the conflict involving Iran was “very close.”

 

At the time of the announcement, maritime tracking data showed several oil and gas tankers attempting to navigate the narrow route, with some proceeding under close coordination while others reportedly turned back.

 

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor, handling about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply.

 

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are ongoing, with Pakistan leading mediation talks involving key regional and global actors. A new round of negotiations is expected in the coming days.

 

Despite the ceasefire holding in parts of the region, major sticking points — including Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and control of the Strait of Hormuz — remain unresolved.