Iran has once again announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the United States and raising fresh fears over disruption to global oil supplies.
In a statement on Saturday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said control of the strategic waterway had “returned to its previous state,” blaming continued American restrictions on Iranian ports.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, carrying a major share of daily crude oil shipments. Any prolonged closure is expected to jolt international energy markets.
Responding to the development, US President Donald Trump said Washington would maintain its naval blockade.
“The naval blockade will remain in full force until our transaction with Iran is 100% complete,” he said, without giving further details.
Earlier, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister had insisted the route was “completely open” to commercial shipping and that maritime traffic was continuing under agreed arrangements linked to the ceasefire in Lebanon.
The conflicting positions have created uncertainty for shipping operators and traders, while analysts warn that any further escalation in the Gulf could trigger a wider regional crisis.
