Iran has announced the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels, warning that any approaching ship will be targeted. This decision follows reports of several vessels, including a tanker, being targeted by Tehran on Saturday in or near the vital waterway.
Iran Cites US Blockade for Closure
The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) attributed its decision to a continuing US blockade of Iranian ports. This move comes just a day after Iran’s foreign minister had announced a temporary reopening of the key global shipping channel. The IRGC Navy issued a statement on Saturday, declaring that ‘no vessel is to move from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman’ and that ‘approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered co-operation with the enemy, and the offending vessel will be targeted.’ Iran stated the strait would remain shut until the US ceased its blockade.
US Response and Ongoing Tensions
US President Donald Trump responded to Iran’s actions, stating that Iran cannot ‘blackmail’ the US with threats concerning the waterway. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blocked by Tehran for nearly two months, leading to a significant surge in global energy prices. President Trump reiterated on Friday that a naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a peace deal was reached between the two countries, with a two-week ceasefire set to expire on April 22. The US reported turning away 23 ships since enforcing the blockade on April 13.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) deemed the US blockade a violation of the ceasefire agreement, asserting it would prevent the strait’s reopening while the blockade remained in place. Regarding peace negotiations, the SNSC indicated that new proposals from the US were ‘currently under review’ by Tehran, with no response yet issued. Earlier peace talks this month concluded without an agreement. President Trump, however, expressed optimism on Saturday, stating, ‘We have very good conversations going on. It’s working out very well.’
Reports of Ship Attacks
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that two Iranian gunboats opened fire on a tanker in the strait. Additionally, a container ship was reportedly hit by ‘an unknown projectile’ off Oman’s north-eastern coast, causing damage to some containers. News agency Reuters cited sources indicating that at least two merchant vessels also reported being hit by gunfire while attempting to traverse the strait.
India’s foreign ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador to convey its ‘deep concern at the shooting incident earlier today involving two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz.’
Impact on Global Shipping
Tracking data from MarineTraffic showed that while some vessels managed to pass through the strait during its brief reopening, others were forced to alter their routes after being denied access by the IRGC. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint, typically facilitating the transport of approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, the number of ships making this journey has drastically decreased since the conflict began on February 28. The crisis has seen oil prices surge above $100 per barrel at various points. Iran has previously issued warnings of potential attacks on tankers and other vessels, as well as threats of laying mines.
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