Strait of Hormuz Closed Again Amid Escalating Regional Tensions
Strait of Hormuz Closed Again Amid Escalating Regional Tensions
Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz off-limits to commercial vessels once more, issuing a stark warning that any ship approaching the vital waterway will be targeted. This move follows Saturday reports of several vessels, including a tanker, being attacked by Tehran in or near the strait.
The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) attributed its decision to an ongoing US blockade, a day after Iran's foreign minister had announced a temporary reopening of the key global shipping channel. US President Donald Trump stated Iran cannot "blackmail" the US with threats regarding the waterway, which Tehran has effectively blocked for nearly two months, causing global energy prices to soar.
The IRGC Navy issued a statement on Saturday, asserting that "no vessel is to move from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman." While acknowledging some vessels had passed through under its management since Friday night, it confirmed the strait's closure until the US ceases 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.
Trump had declared on Friday that a naval blockade of Iranian ports would persist until a peace agreement was reached. A two-week ceasefire, set to expire on 22 April, has failed to de-escalate maritime tensions. The US claims to have turned away 23 ships since enforcing the blockade on 13 April, a move Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) deemed a ceasefire violation, justifying the renewed closure.
Negotiations to end the conflict remain fraught. The SNSC is reportedly reviewing new US proposals, though peace talks earlier this month concluded without agreement. Trump, however, expressed optimism, stating, "We have very good conversations going on. It's working out very well."
Reports of vessel attacks by Iran on Saturday included two Iranian gunboats opening fire on a tanker, as confirmed by UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). A container ship was also reportedly hit by an "unknown projectile" off Oman's north-eastern coast, causing damage. Additionally, sources told Reuters that at least two merchant vessels reported being hit by gunfire while attempting passage. India's foreign ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador to convey "deep concern" over incidents involving Indian-flagged ships.
While some vessels navigated the strait during its brief opening, others were forced to reroute after being denied access by the IRGC. The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) typically passes, has seen dramatically reduced traffic since the US and Israel initiated strikes against Iran on 28 February. This chokepoint, connecting the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is crucial for oil-producing states, and the crisis has seen crude oil prices surge above USD#100 at points.
