Photo: Elke Scholiers / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Iran has announced that it has reimposed strict military control over the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday (April 18), reversing its decision just a day earlier to reopen the vital waterway. Iranian officials said this move is a direct response to the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, which the government describes as a violation of the current ceasefire and an act of "maritime theft."
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that "the status of the Strait of Hormuz will remain tightly controlled and in its previous condition" until the U.S. lifts the blockade and restores freedom of navigation for Iranian vessels.
Iranian military officials warned that "approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and any violating vessel will be targeted." This warning follows incidents earlier in the day where Iranian gunboats fired on two Indian-flagged merchant ships, including the Sanmar Herald, as they attempted to transit the strait. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has summoned Iran’s ambassador to protest the shooting and called for safe passage for Indian ships.
The standoff has increased uncertainty for global energy markets. New attacks on ships, including a container vessel hit by an unknown projectile, have raised fears of further escalation. U.S. Central Command stated that 23 ships have been turned back to Iran since the start of the blockade on Monday, reinforcing the military standoff in the region.
On the diplomatic front, President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are ongoing and that he expects more information by the end of the day. However, he also reiterated that the U.S. blockade "will remain in full force" until a deal is reached, including on Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian officials insist no date has been set for new talks and have demanded compensation for war damages and an end to sanctions as part of any agreement.
As the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon remains fragile and due to expire by Wednesday, mediators from Pakistan continue efforts to bridge differences between the U.S. and Iran. For now, the Strait of Hormuz remains under tight Iranian military control, and the situation remains tense and unpredictable.
The strait is a critical chokepoint through which about 20 percent of the world’s traded oil passes.