Iran Restores Strait of Hormuz Restrictions After Trump Dismisses Reopening
Iran has reimposed restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, saying the vital waterway is back under “strict management and control” of its armed forces and will remain so as long as the U.S. continues to block Iranian ports, according to the country’s joint military command.
Iran’s decision marks a sharp reversal from its earlier announcement that it would ease controls in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for global oil shipments. The move followed comments by President Donald Trump, who said Tehran’s initial step would not be enough to end what he characterized as a blockade of the waterway, prompting Iranian authorities to harden their stance.
In a statement carried by state-linked media, Iran’s joint military command said “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces.” It stressed that the restrictions on vessel movements would stay in place as long as U.S. measures targeting Iranian ports and shipping remain in force.
The renewed controls are likely to heighten tensions in a region already on edge over maritime security and energy supplies. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical sea lanes, and any perceived disruption there can rattle oil markets, complicate naval deployments and deepen the standoff between Iran and the United States over sanctions, security and freedom of navigation.
