Tehran, Iran – In a sudden reversal that sent the international community into a diplomatic shock, Iran announced on Saturday the re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. This came in response to what it described as the continued “American blockade.” Consequently, hopes for a breakthrough that had emerged following its decision to reopen the vital waterway on Friday were dashed.
Return to “military control”
Tehran confirmed that it had imposed strict restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz. It accused the United States of violating agreements related to its reopening. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Armed Forces General Staff, stated that passage through the Strait of Hormuz had officially reverted to its previous state of “complete military control.” Zolfaghari explained that this measure was taken in the context of “defending national sovereignty and protecting the strategic interests” of the Islamic Republic. He added that it also came in light of what he described as increasing economic and military pressure from Washington. The military statement emphasized that the strategic strait is now under the “strict management and control” of the Iranian armed forces. Consequently, the brief 24-hour period of openness was overturned.
Hopes for a “breakthrough Friday” have faded.
This escalation comes just hours after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was fully open to all commercial vessels for the duration of the ceasefire. This announcement coincided with the de-escalation in Lebanon, a move quickly welcomed by US President Donald Trump as a positive step toward ending the tensions. Araqchi had previously indicated that ships would pass through “coordinated routes” designated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization. However, this latest military development appears to have undermined those diplomatic promises.
Global concern and expectations of escalation
Observers believe that re-closing this vital global energy artery would plunge oil markets back into turmoil and jeopardize the ceasefire agreement. With Iran regaining full military control of the Strait of Hormuz, all eyes are on Washington to see how it will respond, especially after Trump’s initial welcome of the move. This could push the region toward a new round of direct confrontation if the disruption to shipping in this waterway continues. It is worth noting that approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil consumption passes through this strait.
